Industry News Past Editions
You can view recent past editions of the Industry News and EMT Express here.
You can view recent past editions of the Industry News and EMT Express here.
April 14, 2025 |
 |
| Goose Gang Toys, Perham / Photo Credit: Kvidt Creative |
Join Explore Minnesota’s Virtual Executive Director’s Forum tomorrow, Tuesday, April 15, at 2 p.m.
This meeting is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with Explore Minnesota staff and discuss various topics, including current issues and conditions affecting the industry, industry advocacy, and the legislative session.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Register now for an informational overview about the FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program on Wednesday, April 16 at 11 a.m.
The FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program provides funding to support tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives of primary Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) for the economic benefit of their communities. Eligible organizations may apply to request grant funding beginning Monday, April 21, 2025, at 9 a.m.
Register here for this Zoom webinar.
It is co-op planning season at Explore Minnesota. As we look ahead to our fiscal year 2026, we're looking for feedback on FY25 co-ops and suggestions for the FY26 program
The survey is an important part of the co-op planning process; we want to provide programs that fit best with your marketing goals and budget. Was there a particular program you found successful? Is there a category of programs or certain vendors we should consider working with? Tell us now by taking the co-op survey.
In addition to the launch of Explore Minnesota’s general spring campaign, three “niche” campaigns begin today, targeting travelers nationwide.
These niche campaigns include:
We have secured exciting content partnerships with National Geographic, Smithsonian, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and a web-section partnership with Rolling Stone for these campaigns.
Visit the Industry website for more campaign info.
Registration is open for the next Continuing Education Series webinar on Tues. April 22 at 11 a.m. Madden Media will present SEO and the Evolution of Search.
Organic Search is constantly changing thanks to shifts in user behavior and new technologies. From Google's AI Overviews to voice search and AI Mode, SEO expert Dylan Scacchetti will dive into SEO and GEO trends, impacts and strategies to help your destination or business navigate the changing landscape of organic search.
Do you want to put your destination and businesses on the map—literally? Advertising spots are now open for the 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide, the official travel resource reaching audiences across the U.S. and beyond.
Why it matters:
Reserve your ad now to lock in discounted rates and secure premium placement. Space is limited and fills fast. The early-bird deadline is April 18.
Contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176 to learn more and reserve your spot.
For the first time, Explore Minnesota participated in the Brand USA India Sales Mission, which took place from Jan. 17 to 24, in Hyderabad, India. We conducted 1:1 meetings with 72 Indian tour operators invited by Brand USA.
Minnesota is mostly unknown to the Indian travel trade, who are currently sending travelers to the East and West coasts. However, this quickly developing market shows future potential for Minnesota and the region. India recently jumped to the top spot for international arrivals to Minnesota and the U.S.. Data and research show that a majority of Indians travel to Minnesota for higher education and business and to visit friends and family.
This sales mission allowed us to build relationships and educate people about the state’s tourist attractions, unique destinations, and culture. To discuss the India market or request the contact list and notes from this sales mission, contact Jen Schak, Market Development Manager, at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) returns May 4-10, 2025, focusing on the power of travel to our national and statewide economies, hospitality and tourism workforce and benefits to communities. Since 1983, NTTW has celebrated how travel fuels job creation, drives business growth and enhances the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Tell us what you are doing for National Travel and Tourism Week; email us at questions.exploreminnesota@state.mn.us. Watch Industry News for Explore Minnesota’s industry toolkit to help you participate in NTTW25 and share the power of travel message.
Last week, Tourism Economics shared data confirming a decline in international travel to the U.S.. Research findings align with their March 27 revised forecast for a 9.4% decline in 2025 international visitor arrivals.
Notable for Minnesota’s travel industry, in March 2025 Canadians returning from visits to the U.S. by land declined by 31% compared to March 2024. In February, year over year, Canadian land returns from U.S. visits declined by 23%.
Nationally, overseas visitor arrivals to the U.S. fell 11.6% in March. Visits from Western Europe were down 17.2%, with Germany falling 28.2% and the UK by 14.3%. Both of these counties issued updated travel advisories to the U.S. in March.
International sentiment towards the U.S. and travel volatility are likely to continue in the coming months.
For more insights, see the full report.
Registration is now open for the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be held on the tribal homelands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians from Oct. 27- 30 at Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi and organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
April 7, 2025 |
 |
| Hennepin Ave Bridge and Grain Belt sign, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Greg Lundgren |
Join Explore Minnesota’s Virtual Executive Director’s Forum on Tuesday, April 15, at 2 p.m. CST.
This meeting is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with Explore Minnesota staff and discuss various topics, including current issues and conditions affecting the industry, industry advocacy, and the legislative session.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Save the date for an informational overview about the FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program on Wednesday, April 16 at 11 a.m. CST.
The FY26 Tourism Marketing Grant Program provides funding to support tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives of primary Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) for the economic benefit of their communities. Eligible organizations may apply to request grant funding beginning Monday, April 21, 2025, at 9 a.m. CST.
Register here for this Zoom webinar.
Registration is open for the next Continuing Education Series webinar on Tues. April 22 at 11 a.m. CST where Madden Media will present SEO and the Evolution of Search.
Organic Search is constantly changing thanks to shifts in user behavior and new technologies. From Google's AI Overviews to voice search and AI Mode, SEO expert Dylan Scacchetti will dive into SEO and GEO trends, impacts and strategies to help your destination or business navigate the changing landscape of organic search.
Do you want to put your destination and businesses on the map—literally? Advertising spots are now open for the 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide, the official travel resource reaching audiences across the U.S. and beyond.
Why it matters:
Reserve your ad now to lock in discounted rates and secure premium placement. Space is limited and fills fast. The early-bird deadline is April 18.
Contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176 to learn more and reserve your spot.
Explore Minnesota Market Development is attending Circle Wisconsin Marketplace meetings this week, April 6-8 in Dubuque, Iowa.
At this event, tour operators, travel planners, and suppliers looking to expand their Midwestern tour offerings meet with tour suppliers (DMOs, attractions, lodging facilities and the like) with approximately 30 prescheduled, six-minute appointments.
As part of its annual Circle Wisconsin membership, Explore Minnesota staff attends this event and provides a lead list to tourism partners. Watch Industry News for the lead list announcement. If you have questions, please contact Brenda Maas at brenda.maas@state.mn.us.
The Hospitality Minnesota Vendor Expo and Social will be held on Monday, April 14, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Are you looking to grow your network, introduce your products and services, or reconnect with key decision-makers? This event allows you to meet, collaborate, and discover the latest innovations in the hospitality industry.
Register today to secure your spot.
Join the Minnesota Star Tribune for a celebration of the state’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities at the Strib Unbound: Outdoor Adventure For All on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead in Minneapolis.
The event will focus on non-motorized sports with an emphasis on biking, camping, hiking and paddling. Attendees can expect various activations related to these sports, presentations from the Minnesota Star Tribune's Outdoors team, camp cooking demos from local chefs, live music, and other engaging activities.
RSVP for future updates on schedule details, transportation, parking, and more.
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) returns May 4-10, 2025, focusing on the power of travel to our national and statewide economies, hospitality and tourism workforce and benefits to communities. Since 1983, NTTW has celebrated how travel fuels job creation, drives business growth and enhances the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Tell us what you are doing for National Travel and Tourism Week; send us an email at: questions.exploreminnesota@state.mn.us. Watch Industry News for Explore Minnesota’s industry toolkit to help you participate in #NTTW25 and share the power of travel message.
March 31, 2025 |
 |
| Root River Fly Fishing, Spring Valley / Photo Credit: Ryan Taylor |
Join Explore Minnesota’s Virtual Executive Director’s Forum on Tuesday, April 15, at 2 p.m.
This meeting is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with Explore Minnesota staff and discuss various topics, including current issues and conditions affecting the industry, industry advocacy, and the legislative session.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
In case you missed it, the webinar recording presented by Tourism Economics is now available. As part of Explore Minnesota’s new Continuing Education Series, this webinar featured State and County-level results from the Minnesota Visitor Economy Study. Watch the webinar now.
Registration is open for the next Continuing Education Series webinar on Tues. April 22 at 11 a.m. Madden Media will present SEO and the Evolution of Search. Organic Search is constantly changing thanks to shifts in user behavior and new technologies. From Google's AI Overviews to voice search and AI Mode, SEO expert Dylan Scacchetti will dive into SEO and GEO trends, impacts and strategies to help your destination or business navigate the changing landscape of organic search.
It is co-op planning season at Explore Minnesota. As we look ahead to our fiscal year 2026, we're looking for feedback on FY25 co-ops suggestions for the FY26 program.
The survey is an important part of the co-op planning process; we want to provide programs that suit your marketing goals and budget. Was there a particular program you found successful? Is there a category of programs or certain vendors we should consider working with? Let us know by tomorrow, April 1.
The Minnesota Twins Baseball Club is offering Explore Minnesota with a new partnership opportunity to advertise to its engaged out-of-state sports fans during the 2025 season. Goals include delivering branding, creating awareness, building Explore Minnesota’s newsletter database, and inspiring fans to explore Minnesota.
The sponsorship package includes branding assets with direct-to-consumer Twins fans, including TV streaming advertising targeted to viewers outside of Minnesota during 50 scheduled games, logo inclusion in the Twins out-of-state digital ticket advertising campaign, and a custom four-week sweepstakes campaign hosted on Twins.com from May 1 to 28 targeting the Chicago area and Chicago Cubs fans with social media, email and digital banner advertising. These promotions encourage baseball fans to sign up for a chance to win four tickets to the Twins vs. Cubs game at the Target Field on July 10, four City Connect Jerseys, $500 Concessions/Team Store gift card, lodging and dining gift cards.
If you have questions about the Minnesota Twins partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Approaching its 78th year, the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote Minnesota's natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine a media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in host communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. This event requires significant host community involvement and has created substantial media exposure for previous host communities.
To apply to host the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, please download the Request for Proposals and application. The submission deadline is Friday, May 2.
If you have inquiries, please contact Kari Brumback at 651-757-1849 or kari.brumback@state.mn.us.
Celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) this week on Thurs. April 3. GMID is a worldwide day of advocacy highlighting the powerful impact of meetings, trade shows, conferences and events on people, businesses and communities.
Meetings and events are essential drivers of economic growth and innovation. When people meet face-to-face, ideas ignite, businesses thrive, and communities benefit. The impact of meetings and events goes beyond business: they stimulate travel, creating vital revenue for local communities through spending on hotels, dining, shopping and more.
U.S. Travel has created the GMID 2025 toolkit designed to help you amplify the value of meetings and events beyond our industry.
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) returns May 4-10, 2025, focusing on the power of travel to our national and statewide economies, hospitality and tourism workforce and benefits to communities. Since 1983, NTTW has celebrated how travel fuels job creation, drives business growth and enhances the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Stay tuned for U.S. Travel and Explore Minnesota’s industry toolkit to help you participate in #NTTW25 and share the power of travel message.
March 24, 2025 |
 |
| Canteliever Hotel, Ranier / Photo Credit: Mary Mathis |
Mark your calendar to join a webinar with Tourism Economics on Thursday, March 27 at 11 a.m. As part of Explore Minnesota’s new Continuing Education Series, this webinar will focus on state and county-level results from The Minnesota Visitor Economy Study. Tourism Economics will provide an overview of how their model estimates tourism impacts and how DMOs and other industry partners can use findings to tell their story. There will also be time for audience questions.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Now is the time to add your spring and summer art fairs to ExploreMinnesota.com for consumer visibility and to have them considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications.
Log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for spring and summer art fairs by March 31.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet now.
It is co-op planning season at Explore Minnesota. As we look ahead to our fiscal year 2026, we're seeking feedback on the FY25 Co-Op Program. This is an important part of the co-op planning process; we want to provide programs that make sense for your marketing goals and budget. Was there a particular program you found successful? Is there a category of programs or certain vendors we should consider working with? Let us know by April 1.
In February 2025, Minnesota and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area’s key hotel performance metrics of occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) improved year over year (YoY).
At the state-level, monthly hotel occupancy increased 4% YoY to 46.5%, ADR increased 2.3% YoY to $121.44 and RevPAR increased 6.4% YoY to $56.53. For reference, in February 2025, the total U.S. average occupancy was 59.1%, ADR was $159.39 and RevPAR was $94.24.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, February hotel occupancy increased 7.3% YoY to 49.5%, ADR increased 1.4% YoY to $121.52 and RevPAR increased 8.9% YoY to $60.19. For reference, in February 2025, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 67.3%, ADR was $188.06 and RevPAR was $126.60.
The Explore Minnesota Market Development Team attended the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace Feb. 2 in Philadelphia, PA. At this convention, tour and motorcoach operators conduct brief pre-scheduled meetings with travel industry suppliers like Explore Minnesota. Summaries from each of those meetings are compiled and made available as leads to Minnesota’s industry partners. The ABA Marketplace leads are now available in Excel format. Group sales and DMO professionals will find this contact list valuable for selling large and small destinations across the state, including some interesting niche product requests.
To request the lead list, contact Brenda Maas of the Market Development team at brenda.maas@state.mn.us.
The Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club is partnering with Explore Minnesota to advertise to its engaged sports fans during the 2025 season. Goals include building Explore Minnesota’s newsletter database while generating awareness and inspiration to explore Minnesota with an estimated 3-4 million impressions and 2,000 newsletter opt-ins provided with the campaign.
The sponsorship package includes a custom two-week sweepstakes campaign hosted on the Brewers website from May 15 to 28. Promotional ads will run on Brewers.com, and emails will target baseball fans to sign up for a chance to win tickets to the Brewers vs. MN Twins game at Target Field on June 21 and 22, lodging, and a $1,500 gift card. Additional branding assets include scoreboard signage and video spots running throughout the season on 400+ American Family Field in-stadium televisions during in-game, inning breaks, and pre-game.
If you have questions about the Milwaukee Brewers partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Good Karma Brands is partnering with Explore Minnesota to advertise on ESPN Milwaukee, driving interest and awareness to an engaged radio sports fan audience with a multi-channel marketing campaign.
The campaign will include over 2.5 million estimated impressions with radio commercials and live reads. Branding assets are scheduled to run May 1-15, with sweepstakes messaging and 416,666 geo-targeted premium pushdown digital ad impressions running May 16-28, promoting the Milwaukee Brewers partnership Gameday Getaway Sweepstakes. These deliverables will provide excellent awareness and branding leading up to the Brewers/Twins home game series June 20-22 and during prime tourism months within one of Explore Minnesota’s key markets.
The radio campaign will create additional reach, exposure and frequency to inspire fans to plan their summer Minnesota getaways during the shoulder of high travel season, thereby increasing Explore Minnesota’s website and social traffic.
ESPN Milwaukee is the epicenter for all things sports in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and beyond. The ESPN radio network is the biggest sports network in the U.S. and is the exclusive home of MLB and NBA national radio broadcasts, covering the most talked-about moments in sports.
If you have questions about the Good Karma Brands partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
In the March 2025 Longwoods International survey, 89% of U.S. leisure travelers reported having travel plans within the next six months. While this is a positive trend, overall survey results show that concerns about the economy and personal finances continue to impact travel decisions.
Most survey respondents expect travel costs to either become less affordable or remain the same in the next year. Travel affordability perceptions vary somewhat by political affiliation. While a majority of Democrats anticipate higher costs, Republicans are more optimistic, with 22% expecting travel to become more affordable.
Other questions in this survey round focused on politics. The percentage of travelers who say the political climate of a destination will greatly impact their travel decisions jumped from 24% in September 2024 to 42% in March 2025. Additionally, U.S. leisure traveler trip plans for the next year vary by political affiliation. Democrats are the most likely to reduce domestic travel, while Republicans and Independents are more inclined to travel more within the U.S. Meanwhile, nearly half of Republicans say political factors do not influence their travel decisions, compared to 36% of Democrats.
For more research findings, review the American Travel Sentiment – Wave 94 Survey.
The Minnesota Retailers Association presents how going green can help your business thrive through this webinar-delivered briefing, which will provide actionable insights to reduce operational costs, elevate brand reputation, and strengthen your community.
Learn about high-impact energy efficiency upgrades, tackle common waste reduction challenges, and explore free resources and grant opportunities to make sustainability projects affordable and achievable.
March 17, 2025 |
 |
| St. Paul Brewing Patio, St. Paul / Photo Credit: St. Paul Brewing |
Mark your calendar to join a webinar with Tourism Economics on Thursday, March 27 at 11 a.m. As part of Explore Minnesota’s new Continuing Education Series, this webinar will focus on state and county-level results from The Minnesota Visitor Economy Study. Tourism Economics will provide an overview of how their model estimates tourism impacts and how DMOs and other industry partners can use findings to tell their story. There will also be time for audience questions.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Now is the time to add your spring and summer art fairs to ExploreMinnesota.com for consumer visibility and to have them considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications.
Log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for spring and summer art fairs by March 31.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet now.
The St. Paul Saints is providing Explore Minnesota a partnership opportunity to advertise to their engaged Minnesota-proud sports fan audience during the 2025 season. The partnership includes a Day-of-the-Week Sponsorship, Explore Minnesota Wednesdays, with radio advertising and live reads, TV/stream advertising, in-game videoboard ads and home plate signage, social media features including a Player Call-ups sponsorship feature and MN Wednesday Puzzlers, an in-game quiz highlighting Minnesota destinations and attractions and a custom two-week out-of-market sweepstakes featuring a VIP experience gameday getaway prize.
The sponsorship also provides Explore Minnesota with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch and broadcast a third-inning radio interview on KFAN Plus 96.7 FM during the Wednesday home games, highlighting Minnesota destinations, website banner ads, logo inclusion in the Saints pocket schedule and Minnesota Travel Guide distribution.
The partnership’s goals include delivering branding, creating awareness, building Explore Minnesota’s newsletter database, and inspiring fans to explore Minnesota.
If you have questions about the St. Paul Saints partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Explore Minnesota Film has launched the Film Ready program, designed to help communities become more appealing to film and television productions. The program offers guidance and resources to help welcome filmmakers to your community. With Minnesota's film industry driving millions in economic impact, the Film Ready program helps communities tap into this success.
Learn more about the Film Ready program and how your community can get involved, or watch the How to Attract Film Production to Your Community presentation.
Communities that complete the program will be recognized with a “Film Ready” designation, signaling to filmmakers that they are prepared to host production teams and contribute to Minnesota’s filmmaking economy.
For more information, contact Sarah Gebeke, Explore Minnesota Film mnfilm.tour@state.mn.us 651-757-1877.
Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), businesses and organizations are able to feature the Explore Minnesota Travel Guide for their visitor services needs, guest rooms, lobbies or at check-in desks. You can request bulk quantities of our guide at no cost!
We invite businesses, organizations and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders. There are 40 guides per box.
Approaching its 78th year, the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote Minnesota's natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine a media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in our communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. This event requires significant host community involvement and has created substantial media exposure for previous host communities.
To submit an application for hosting the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, please download the Request for Proposals and application.
If you have inquiries, please contact Kari Brumback at 651-757-1849 or kari.brumback@state.mn.us. The submission deadline is Friday, May 2.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Paint the Town Grant Program is designed to build community collaboration with a unique and hands-on approach. SMIF donates up to 100 gallons of paint per project, with the goal of fostering inclusion through volunteer engagement, promotion of creativity, celebration of local pride and to enhance the beauty and interest of a space.
Free paint and coating products are available for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art/creative placemaking projects and to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout SMIF’s 20-county region.
View the Guidelines and Application.
Join industry professionals from across the Upper Midwest for three days of education, networking, and inspiration at the 28th Annual UMCVB Fall Conference, taking place Sept. 8-10, 2025, in Fox Cities, WI.
Register early to lock in the discounted rate of $375, prices increase after June 1.
Learn more and register online.
Join U.S. Travel on April 1-2 in Washington, D.C., for the industry’s premier legislative fly-in. Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) brings together hundreds of travel industry leaders to meet face-to-face with policymakers, advocate for key legislative priorities and showcase travel’s essential impact on communities and economies nationwide. The program includes an afternoon of advocacy training, influential guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities, followed by a day dedicated to legislative meetings on Capitol Hill.
March 10, 2025 |
 |
| St Patrick's Day Parade in St Paul |
We’re excited to share that the Spring/Summer Star of the North™ campaign launches today. We continue to feature long-form videos ranging from 4 to 8 minutes, introducing and welcoming travelers to the state. Videos are supported by detailed itineraries hosted on our website. They will accompany Video cutdowns and creative for the media buy. The campaign will run from March 10 through the end of June.
Featured Minnesota Travel Stories for Spring/Summer include:
View the campaign landing page to see all the stories.
In addition to our general/diversity campaign, we are also focusing efforts on several national niche and interest-based campaigns.
Visit the Industry website for more campaign details.
Explore Minnesota regularly reviews and analyzes travel indicators to better understand the health of the tourism industry. A new report focused on 2023 and 2024 state-level trends is now available.
In 2023, Minnesota’s tourism industry experienced strong growth.
Initial 2024 travel indicators are positive. However, year-over-year increases are smaller compared to recent years, likely as recovery from the pandemic has stabilized. In the coming months, when 2024 visitation and economic impact data is released, we will be able to more confidently understand the trajectory of travel to and tourism in Minnesota.
Mark your calendar to join a webinar with Tourism Economics on Thursday, March 27 at 11 a.m. As part of Explore Minnesota’s new Continuing Education Series, this webinar will focus on State and County-level results from The Minnesota Visitor Economy Study. Tourism Economics will provide an overview of how their model estimates tourism impacts and how DMOs and other industry partners can use findings to tell their story. There will also be time for audience questions.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Pride Journeys is offering Explore Minnesota a new partnership opportunity with a one-year, multi-channel national marketing package to inspire and welcome the LGBTQ+ communities to plan and take a trip to Minnesota, thereby increasing tourism and website traffic to ExploreMinnesota.com.
The package includes a Pride Journeys Travel Directory premium listing, Pride Journeys magazine ad inclusion, digital ads, social media and blog posts. Pride Journeys is the premier source for LGBTQ+ travel, publishing destination reviews and lifestyle content that is insightful and engaging to readers. Pride Journey's syndicated articles have appeared in numerous LGBT publications nationwide, including Out Traveler, OutClique Magazine, Erie Gay News, Grab Magazine, Q Notes and more.
If you have questions about the Pride Journeys partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Approaching its 78th year, the Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote Minnesota's natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine a media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in our communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2026 Governor's Fishing Opener. This event requires significant community involvement with partner state agencies and has garnered massive media exposure for previous host communities.
To submit an application as a host community for hosting the 2026 Governor's Fishing Opener, please download the Request for Proposals and application. Application
If you have inquiries, please contact Kari Brumback at 651-757-1849 or kari.brumback@state.mn.us. The submission deadline is Friday, May 2.
Explore Minnesota Co-ops are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and many programs sell out early in the state fiscal year. With that in mind, many participants will book their space well in advance of their campaign. Many co-op program vendors keep waitlists in case of a cancellation or added availability.
If you see a program you are interested isn marked “sold out”, please get in touch with the vendor directly and ask if they are keeping a waitlist of interested participants. If so, you will be contacted if there is future availability.
Sign up Now for the Co-op Program Update E-News.
Join U.S. Travel on April 1-2 in Washington, D.C., for the industry’s premier legislative fly-in. Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) brings together hundreds of travel industry leaders to meet face-to-face with policymakers, advocate for key legislative priorities and showcase travel’s essential impact on communities and economies nationwide. The program includes an afternoon of advocacy training, influential guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities, followed by a day dedicated to legislative meetings on Capitol Hill.
The Hospitality Minnesota Vendor Expo and Social will be held on Monday, April 14, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Are you looking to grow your network, introduce your products and services, or reconnect with key decision-makers? This event allows you to meet, collaborate, and discover the latest innovations in the hospitality industry.
Register today to secure your spot.
March 3, 2025 |
 |
| Hai Hai, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
For generations, Minnesota has produced award-winning films, television shows, and commercials. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a competitive entertainment incentive program and develop working relationships with industry professionals to promote Minnesota's economic development.
As the Deputy Director for Explore Minnesota Film, you will oversee the Film Production Tax Credit and other state film incentive programs and lead the department's overall marketing and communications strategy. Through your leadership, you will also support the Executive Director in positioning Minnesota as the best state for travel, quality of life and economic opportunity.
Learn more and apply online; search for Job ID 84189 - Deputy Dir, EM Film. The deadline to apply is March 10.
Mark your calendar to join a webinar with Tourism Economics on Thursday, March 27 at 11 a.m. As part of Explore Minnesota’s new Continuing Education Series, this webinar will focus on State and County-level results from The Minnesota Visitor Economy Study. Tourism Economics will provide an overview of how their model estimates tourism impacts, and how DMOs and other industry partners can use findings to tell their story. There will also be time for audience questions.
Add to your calendar or click here to join the meeting.
Explore Minnesota Film has launched the Film Ready program, designed to help communities become more appealing to film and television productions. The program offers guidance and resources to help welcome filmmakers to your community. With Minnesota's film industry driving millions in economic impact, the Film Ready program helps communities tap into this success.
Learn more about the Film Ready program and how your community can get involved, or watch the How to Attract Film Production to Your Community presentation. Communities that complete the program will be recognized with a “Film Ready” designation, signaling to filmmakers that they are prepared to host production teams and contribute to Minnesota’s filmmaking economy.
For more information, contact Sarah Gebeke, Explore Minnesota Film mnfilm.tour@state.mn.us 651-757-1877.
Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), businesses and organizations are able to feature the Explore Minnesota Travel Guide for their visitor services needs, guest rooms, lobbies or at check-in desks. You can request bulk quantities of our guide at no cost!
We invite businesses, organizations and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders. There are 40 guides per box.
Explore Minnesota is working with Orange142 to help support your diversity and multicultural marketing goals and drive spend through this new co-op.
Orange142's advertising platform has over 40 data integrations that can be utilized to build audience personas and advertising targeting segments for various multicultural audiences and demographics.
In collaboration with their sister company, Colossus SSP, they have exclusive access to multicultural and minority-owned websites, publishers, and domains that can be leveraged to maximize digital advertising engagement and relevant reach.
This package includes display advertising and runs on a CPM (cost per thousand) basis for impressions. Each participant ad will include the Explore Minnesota logo. Explore Minnesota matches your investment between $2,000 and $5,000.
The 2025 Minnesota Festival and Events Association Annual Conference (MNFEA) will be held March 5-7 at the Breezy Point Resort.
This year’s Conference will be packed with educational sessions that address current and future challenges in the events industry, business fundamentals and exciting up-and-coming trends.
The 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference will take place March 20-21 in Virginia, MN.
Past conferences have brought together nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions. Participants had the opportunity to connect with others who care about entrepreneurship in their region.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will host its Foundations Trail workshops in Minnesota during 2025. Sessions are planned for May 7-8 in Winona or Oct.1-2 in Duluth.
Experts and community leaders will prepare attendees to create their own model trail community. Classroom sessions and field visits will demonstrate the potential for trail-based recreation that accommodates all user groups.
Learn more about the IMBA program and workshops.
In the February 2025 Longwoods International survey, 88% of U.S. leisure travelers reported that they have travel plans within the next six months. This is a 5% year-over-year decline relative to February 2024. Survey data shows that personal finances, inflation and travel transportation costs will greatly impact travel decisions for more than half of leisure travelers.
Travelers were also asked about their perceptions of domestic travel within the U.S. Survey results show that American travelers positively view the U.S. as a destination for cultural exploration. When asked about their main travel motivator, top responses were to have a fun time (20%) and rest and relax (20%). New experiences, spending time with friends and relatives and time with immediate family were other top travel motivators, with each consideration mentioned by about 15% of survey respondents.
For more research findings, review the American Travel Sentiment – Wave 93 Survey.
February 24, 2025 |
 |
| Shopping at Great River Arts, Little Falls / Photo Credit: Little Falls Area Chamber and Tourism |
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Minneapolis on Feb. 18-19. We hope you enjoyed networking with tourism peers and learning about trends and new tactics in tourism marketing.
Keynote and Breakout Session recordings are available for viewing on the Explore Minnesota Industry Website. Thank you to our Conference Sponsors for their support of the event.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards were presented in conjunction with the conference. They celebrated the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination. View the Award winners, finalists and photo gallery.
Please share your feedback about the Conference by emailing us questions.exploreminnesota@state.mn.us.
Now is the time to add your March events to ExploreMinnesota.com to have them considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications.
Log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for your March and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations by Feb. 28.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the Minnesota Frost is providing Explore Minnesota with a partnership opportunity to advertise to their engaged, Minnesota-proud sports fan audience during the 2024-25 season. The effort’s goals include supporting Minnesota women's professional sports, amplifying Minnesota as the "State of Hockey,” delivering branding, creating awareness and inspiring hockey fans to explore Minnesota.
The sponsorship package includes two 30-second TV commercials per game broadcasted on FanDuel Sports Network, TV-visible Dasher Board signage with the Explore Minnesota logo in front of the team bench, and a game-day graphic social media sponsorship.
Minnesota Frost is one of six teams in the newly launched Professional Women’s Hockey League, founded in 2023. The team took home the 2023-24 PWHL Championship. The PWHL features the world's best women's hockey players competing against teams from desirable tourism markets: Minnesota, Boston, Montreal, New York, Ottawa and Toronto.
If you have questions about the Minnesota Frost partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY25 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
In January 2025, Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area key hotel performance metrics of occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) improved year over year (YoY) relative to January 2024.
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy increased 2.6% YoY to 41.5%, ADR increased 1.8% YoY to $117.76 and RevPAR increased 4.5% YoY to $48.85. For reference, in January the total U.S. average occupancy was 52.5%, ADR was $151.20 and RevPAR was $79.42.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, January hotel occupancy increased 5.6% YoY to 43.1%, ADR was flat YoY at $116.16 and RevPAR increased 5.7% YoY to $50.11. In January, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 61.2%, ADR was $181.32 and RevPAR was $110.98.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of January. Highlights include Lindsay Cohen’s inclusion of Lutsen in “The Best Family Roadtrip Destinations Throughout the U.S” for The Everymom and Cassandra Brooklyn’s “US State Parks that are Better than National Parks” for Business Insider.
This secured media coverage for the month, garnered 189,354,091 impressions and ad value equivalency of $1,366,920.45 including:
Explore Minnesota recently worked with SMARInsights to measure the effectiveness of our Spring/Summer 2024 Star of the North ad campaign. As part of this study, we measured the impact of our tourism campaign on six Minnesota livability attributes.
A pattern emerges when comparing consumers who are aware or unaware of Explore Minnesota’s tourism campaign. Ad aware travelers are about twice as likely to strongly agree that Minnesota is a good place to live, purchase a vacation home, retire, start a career, start a business or attend college. For example, 45% of ad aware survey respondents strongly agreed that Minnesota is a good place to live. However, only 23% of ad-unaware respondents strongly agreed with this livability-related statement.
Combining ad awareness with Minnesota visitation leads to even stronger results. Consumers who are aware of Explore Minnesota ads and have visited our state are more likely to strongly agree that Minnesota is a good place to live. When asked if Minnesota is a good place to start a career, 36% of ad aware visitors strongly agreed. However, only 10% of ad unaware non-visitors strongly agreed with this statement.
Review additional Halo Impact findings here.
The 2025 Minnesota Festival and Events Association Annual Conference will held March 5-7 at Breezy Point Resort.
This year’s Conference will be packed with educational sessions that address current and future challenges in the events industry, business fundamentals and exciting up-and-coming trends.
The 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference will take place March 20-21 in Virginia, MN.
Past conferences have brought together nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions. Participants had the opportunity to connect with others who care about entrepreneurship in their region.
The FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow will be held on Thursday, March 20 in Cannon Falls.
The FEAST! Local Foods Network is a partnership of many organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to growing a sustainable, local and regional food system that encourages innovation. As a result of our work, we hope to see current businesses flourish and new businesses establish themselves.
February 10, 2025 |
 |
| Stone Arch Bridge in Winter, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Ryan Taylor |
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held next week at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.
This 1-½ day educational conference includes a lineup of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person. Space is limited, so secure your registration today!
For in-person attendees, Meet Minneapolis welcomes all conference attendees to “Winterapolis,” a host city networking reception at the Seasons Lounge directly following the first day of conference programming. Join fellow attendees on the second level of the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, February 18, from 5-6:30 p.m. for light appetizers, beverages and networking.
View the full conference schedule and register online.
The Market Development team attended the American Bus Association conference on Feb. 1-3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Staff held approximately 40 appointments with group tour planners and operators from around the country.
Watch for leads to be shared in the coming weeks. If you have questions or would like further information on this event or other market development activities, please contact Brenda Maas, Market Development Representative, at brenda.maas@state.mn.us or 651-757-1886.
Now is the time to add your March events to ExploreMinnesota.com to have them considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications.
Log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for your March and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations by Feb. 28.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Hospitality Minnesota Vendor Expo and Social will be held on Monday, April 14, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Are you looking to grow your network, introduce your products and services, or reconnect with key decision-makers? This event allows you to meet, collaborate, and discover the latest innovations in the hospitality industry.
Who Should Attend?
Register today to secure your spot.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will host its Foundations trail workshops in Minnesota during 2025, with sessions planned for Winona in the spring and Duluth in the fall.
These workshops aim to help create model mountain biking communities by teaching participants about trail planning, design, building, and promotion. This is a fantastic opportunity for local communities interested in building new trails for public enjoyment and economic impact.
Learn more about the IMBA program and workshops.
The Minnesota Humanities Center is offering grants of up to $50,000 to individuals and organizations that have a history of working with diverse cultural communities to support community events, music and jazz festivals, or cultural festivals for art installations, music, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 30.
For more details and application instructions, visit the website.
February 3, 2025 |
 |
| Nature Link Resort, Nisswa / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination. Awards will be presented at the closing of the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Join us at 3:15 p.m. that day, in person or virtually as Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty provides a look forward at Explore Minnesota’s plans for 2025. This will be followed by the presentation of the Tourism Awards. The Conference will conclude with the presentation of the Tourism Industry Leader Award.
View all of the finalists for this year’s 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards and register to attend the Conference in-person or virtually.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while also connecting with hundreds of tourism and industry professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Visit Duluth seeks a driven, accountable and innovative professional to serve as the new Executive Director.
Visit Duluth, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau is Duluth’s only officially recognized destination marketing organization. Chartered in 1935 as a non-profit corporation, it represents over 400 businesses that make up Duluth’s tourism, sports, and B2B event industry.
The Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce is hiring an Executive Director. This part-time position will oversee the organization's day-to-day operations and carry out the Chamber’s business, economic development, and marketing plans.
If interested, please email your resume to Granitefallschamberofcommerce@gmail.com.
The Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) call for ideas is now open for submissions.
RSDP supports local innovation across rural Minnesota by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources in four focus areas: natural resources, clean energy, agriculture and food systems and resilient communities. Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design and plan local sustainability projects with University students, faculty and staff.
Project ideas are being accepted through Feb. 14 and can be submitted online.
Join U.S. Travel on April 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. for the industry’s premier legislative fly-in. Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) brings together hundreds of travel industry leaders to meet face-to-face with policymakers, advocate for key legislative priorities and showcase travel’s essential impact on communities and economies nationwide. The program includes an afternoon of advocacy training, influential guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities, followed by a day dedicated to legislative meetings on Capitol Hill.
Every year, the eTourism Summit brings together the brightest minds in destination marketing for two and a half days of transformative interactive learning, groundbreaking idea sharing, and high-impact networking. Here, you’ll discover the trends, tools, and technology set to revolutionize your tourism marketing strategy. This year eTourism Summit will be held April 22-24 in Las Vegas.
Learn more and register online.
January 27, 2025 |
 |
| Customers enjoying drinks at Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge, Bemidji / Photo Credit: Visit Bemidji |
The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Breakout Sessions provide in-depth insights to help you discover your next great campaign tactic, stay ahead of emerging trends, and improve your work.
This year’s breakout sessions are only available to in-person attendees and programming includes:
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a lineup of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person. Space is limited, so secure your registration today!
View the full conference schedule and register online.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while also connecting with hundreds of tourism and industry professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Reserve a Sponsorship Now. Change Now to Today!
Clear Channel Outdoor offers advertising solutions across 40 of the top markets in the US. For this co-op program, Clear Channel and Explore Minnesota have zeroed in on three major markets ideal for Minnesota tourism industry businesses like yours: Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis–St. Paul. Explore Minnesota will match your campaign investment up to $5,000 through this co-op.
Digital billboards provide turnkey flexibility and efficient out-of-home advertising options for tourism marketers. You can easily rotate and change creative like your other digital marketing campaigns. Also, you can purchase digital panels for weekly flights, modify locations quickly, and save money on production/printing costs.
Check out the new T-shirt series at Explore Minnesota’s Star of the North Shop. Profits from these sales go right back to promoting Minnesota!
Be sure to check at the shop frequently and follow our social media channels for new product releases.
If you love Minnesota outdoors and want to learn more about the people responsible for Minnesota's tradition of excellence in outdoor recreation, check out the Explore Minnesota More podcast. Every other Thursday, Explore Minnesota More features the stories of the people building the outdoor experience in our state.
If you have any ideas for subjects we should consider covering, please email podcast ideas to Randolph Briley, Deputy Director of Outdoor Recreation, randolph.briley@state.mn.us.
In the January 2025 Longwoods International survey, 90% of leisure travelers reported having travel plans within the next six months. This continues the post-pandemic trend of strong travel demand. Of those planning a leisure trip, 18% have a trip planned within the next month, 25% in the next one to two months and the remaining 58% have a spring or summer trip planned for three or more months.
For their next leisure trip, 63% will take a domestic road trip, 28% a domestic air trip and 9% an international trip. Looking more closely at international leisure travel, 41% are very or somewhat likely to travel out of the country in the next year. Almost half (46%) of U.S. leisure travelers said their international travel plans will not impact their domestic travel. This means international travel is an additional option, not a substitute for U.S. leisure trips. Of those planning international trips, 26% said they will spend less on domestic travel, 25% will shorten domestic trips and 24% will replace one or more domestic trips.
In this survey round, U.S. leisure travelers were asked about the impact of financial concerns on their travel plans. Results show a clear divide between households, with just over half saying that inflation and transportation costs significantly impact their travel plans. About a quarter of survey respondents reported that financial concerns will have minimal to no impact on their travel. The remaining quarter reported that concerns will somewhat impact trip planning.
For more research findings, review the American Travel Sentiment Survey – Wave 92.
Join U.S. Travel on April 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. for the industry’s premier legislative fly-in. Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) brings together hundreds of travel industry leaders to meet face-to-face with policymakers, advocate for key legislative priorities and showcase travel’s essential impact on communities and economies nationwide. The program includes an afternoon of advocacy training, influential guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities, followed by a day dedicated to legislative meetings on Capitol Hill.
U.S. Travel’s ESTO is where destination marketers come together to spark innovation, share bold ideas and bring actionable insights home. Join ESTO 2025, the premier destination marketing forum, in Phoenix, Arizona, Aug. 17–19, 2025.
Learn more and plan ahead now.
January 21, 2025 |
 |
| The Baie Comeau arriving on a winter morning, Canal Park, Duluth / Photo Credit: Robert Welton |
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our Day 2 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference keynote speakers, including:
View the conference schedule now.
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a line-up of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person, and a virtual option is also available.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism and industry professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
In Dec. 2024 Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area key hotel performance metrics of occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) improved year over year (YoY) relative to Dec. 2023.
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy increased 2% YoY to 42%, ADR increased 1.8% YoY to $121.52 and RevPAR increased 3.9% YoY to $52.11. For reference, in Dec. the total U.S. average occupancy was 52.9%, ADR was $156.42 and RevPAR was $82.74.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, Dec. hotel occupancy was up 8.4% YoY to 45.9%, ADR was up 1.2% YoY to $120.67 and RevPAR was up 9.7% YoY to $55.42. In Dec., the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 61.5%, ADR was $193.59 and RevPAR was $119.08.
Now is the time to add your upcoming February and March events to ExploreMinnesota.com to have them considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications.
Log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for the following events in your community by Jan. 31:
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post!
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Through Travel Spike, Contextual Content Ads offer unparalleled efficiency in travel media. Ads are delivered in a 100% travel environment through on site, native and email placements. Purchased on a cost-per-click (CPC) model, charges only occur when a consumer clicks on an ad placement.
These positions are exclusive to Travel Spike with their premium travel publishers. As their most popular destination ad product, contextual content ads through this co-op provide a solid vehicle for driving site visits, landing page engagement and activity (email signups, travel guide requests, etc.).
Visit Winona is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have experience in tourism promotion, organizational leadership, and a passion for building connections in the Winona community. The new Executive Director will play a key role in continuing Visit Winona’s mission to attract visitors and support the local economy
For more information on the Executive Director position and to apply, please review the position posting at www.visitwinonajobs.com or email questions to visitwinonajobs@gmail.com.
Read the full news release and review the full position description.
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation’s (IRRR) Culture and Tourism grants assist projects that support arts, culture, history, tourism and recreational activities, enhance the quality of life in the region and attract visitors.
Applications are now open through Thursday, May 1, or until program funds are substantially committed for the fiscal year, whichever occurs sooner.
Eligible applicants include cities, townships, nonprofits, Tribal governments and governmental entities created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes within IRRR’s service area.
Applications must be submitted through the FLUXX grant portal by visiting irrrb.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new. For questions about FLUXX, email Jeri Venne at Jeri.Venne@state.mn.us or call 218-735-3012.
For more information about Culture and Tourism grants, email Danae Beaudette at Danae.Beaudette@state.mn.us or call 218-735- 3022.
January 13, 2025 |
 |
| Minnesota Ice Festival Maze, Eagan |
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our Day 1 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference keynote speakers, including:
View the conference schedule now.
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a line-up of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person, and a virtual option is also available.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism and industry professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Programs. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor.
Those attending through a Scholarship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement. The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
Explore Minnesota regularly reviews and analyzes travel indicators to better understand tourism industry trends and health. A new report focused on state-level travel trends from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2024, is now available. Fall 2024 Minnesota travel indicators show variable year-over-year (YoY) performance:
Accommodation Performance – Fall state and Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area lodging performance varied by month and metric. Following normal seasonal trends, Sept. and Oct. were busier travel months and Nov. was not as active.
Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) Employment – In fall 2024, L&H employment was up 1% year over year compared to 2023, with increases in all three months.
MSP Airport Traveler Volume – For the three fall months combined, MSP airport passengers were up 1.7% in 2024 compared to 2023. On a 2024 monthly basis, MSP passenger volume was higher in Sept. and Oct. and lower in November compared to the same months in 2023.
Minnesota Versus National Trends – For 2024 year-to-date through the end of Oct., Minnesota’s travel indicators show variance from national trends. Minnesota lodging demand is down slightly YoY, while the U.S. is up slightly. Both state and national L&H jobs have increased about 2% year over year. Minnesota air passengers YoY have increased more than the U.S. average.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for Dec. 2024. Highlights include Michele Herrmann’s inclusion of New Ulm in Forbes’ “Unique Christmas Trees by State” and Larry Olmstead’s inclusion of the Brainerd Lakes area for “Learning to Snowmobile” for Cigar Aficionado Magazine.
Travel Exchange connects tour operators, suppliers, and travel professionals, fostering relationships and driving business within the travel and tourism industry. This annual gathering took place Nov. 17-20, 2024. Explore Minnesota attended and met with 15 tour operators. Client profiles and meeting note leads are available to the Minnesota industry now.
Please contact Jen Schak, Market Development Manager, at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us, for these leads or with questions about leisure group marketing.
Explore Minnesota works with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to provide Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) industry sales, taxes, and employment data. State, tourism region and county-level 2023 L&H data are now ready for DMOs and other industry partners.
In December 2024 county-level tourism economic impact was shared. Note that tourism economic impact and L&H data vary due to different definitions and approaches. While L&H hospitality data collects all sales, tourism economic impact data reflects activity from visitors more than 50 miles from their home. For example, if you were to buy lunch at a café two miles from your home this sale is included in L&H data, however, it is not captured in tourism visitor spend.
Explore Minnesota is shifting focus to visitor economic impact data as it better reflects the effects of tourism. We will continue to share L&D data as it may be useful when looking at long-term trends or local business activity.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, Jan. 20. This Free Park Day is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas.
There is one fee-free day for each season of the year, giving Minnesotans an opportunity to experience state parks and recreation areas at different times of the year.
The 2025 free park days are scheduled as follows:
Visitors are advised to check for updates in the visitor alert section on park websites before leaving home. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping or equipment rentals. Many parks offer snowshoe rentals, and select parks offer ski rentals. Visitors looking for rental equipment or certain recreational opportunities can use the DNR’s ParkFinder tool to find the best destination for their visit.
For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage.
January 6, 2025 |
 |
| Ice Climbing Festival, Winona / Credit: Paul Vincent |
Join Explore Minnesota’s Virtual Executive Director’s Forum tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. CST.
This meeting is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with Explore Minnesota staff and discuss various topics, including the upcoming legislative session.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Click here to join the meeting.
Join Explore Minnesota Film this week on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Tasty Lighting Supply in Minneapolis for an industry town hall to learn how this new office will advance the film production industry in Minnesota.
We'll discuss the state of the industry in Minnesota for the coming year, covering important topics such as new guidelines for the Film Production Tax Credit, the role of a state film office, new initiatives planned, and the marketing and promotion of Minnesota as a production location.
Presenter Melodie Bahan, Explore Minnesota Film Deputy Director, will be joined by staff members Sarah Gebeke, Production Liaison, and Jill Johansen, Incentives Specialist, to provide information and answer any questions.
Join the presentation in person or livestream it at this link.
Brand USA Travel Week is a premier event that connects U.S. tourism professionals with travel industry leaders from Europe. It took place Oct. 21 – 24, 2024, in London, England.
As an exhibitor, Explore Minnesota conducted 37 appointments with tour operators, airlines, travel marketing and distribution companies worldwide. Leads, including client profiles and meeting notes, are available to the Minnesota industry now.
Please contact Jen Schak, Market Development Manager, jennifer.schak@state.mn.us for the leads or with questions about international marketing.
The new 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guides are now being shipped. Consumers can order free guides on exploreminnesota.com and we invite businesses, organizations and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders. There are 40 guides per box.
These new guides feature the latest travel itineraries created as part of our Star of the North campaign, including links to long-form videos and additional content on our website. The front cover and an inside story highlights Voyageurs National Park as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Thanks to everyone who supported the new guide with content, photos and/or advertising. With your support, we’re able to reach an even greater audience.
Whether you lead a team large or small, the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the place to discover fresh and actionable ideas and takeaways you can implement right away. View the conference schedule now.
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a line-up of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person, and a virtual option is also available.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism and industry professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Programs. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor.
Those attending through a Scholarship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement. The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13.
Apply now:
Join the Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference, March 6-9 in Cohasset as we build and renew relationships while working towards a more sustainable farming community. Presenters will have the chance to share their insights and best practices, while attendees can engage in valuable sessions and learn from others. We invite you to be a part of this enriching experience, whether by sharing your knowledge or soaking up the wisdom of others.
Consider presenting at the conference to share your knowledge, your insights can help strengthen our community of Indigenous farmers and contribute to a network that fosters a more sustainable way of life.
Submit a proposal here: 2025 GLIFC Presenter Proposal or for more information email ifc@welrp.org.
December 30, 2024 |
 |
| Hocokata TI Cultural Center, Shakopee / Credit: Paul Vincent |
The new 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guides are now being shipped. Consumers can order free guides on exploreminnesota.com and we invite businesses, organizations and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders. There are 40 guides per box.
These new guides feature the latest travel itineraries created as part of our Star of the North campaign, including long-form videos on our website. We’re also highlighting Voyageurs National Park as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Thanks to everyone who supported the new guide with content, photos, and/or advertising. With your support, we’re able to reach a greater audience.
Join Explore Minnesota’s Virtual Executive Director’s Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. CST.
This meeting is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with Explore Minnesota staff and discuss various topics, including the upcoming legislative session.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Click here to join the meeting.
Join Explore Minnesota Film on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Tasty Lighting Supply in Minneapolis for an industry town hall to learn how this new office will advance the film production industry in Minnesota.
We'll discuss the state of the industry in Minnesota for the coming year, covering important topics such as new guidelines for the Film Production Tax Credit, the role of a state film office, new initiatives planned, and the marketing and promotion of Minnesota as a production location.
Presenter Melodie Bahan, Explore Minnesota Film Deputy Director, will be joined by staff members Sarah Gebeke, Production Liaison, and Jill Johansen, Incentives Specialist, to provide information and answer any questions.
Join in-person or online; the live stream link will be sent on Jan. 7.
Whether you lead a team large or small, the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the place to discover fresh and actionable ideas and takeaways you can implement right away. View the conference schedule now.
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a line-up of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person and a virtual option is also available.
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Programs. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor.
Those attending through a Scholarship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement. The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
First Day Hikes will take place at 10 Minnesota state parks on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as part of a nationwide effort to connect people to the outdoors. In an initiative spearheaded by the America’s State Parks organization, hikers in all 50 states will welcome the new year with an outdoor hike, exercising and connecting with nature.
While there is no participation fee for the First Day Hikes, a vehicle permit ($7 per day or $35 for a year) is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Visitors can save time and purchase permits in advance on the state park vehicle permits webpage, or buy a permit in person during open hours at park ranger stations.
Minnesota’s First Day Hikes will be held at Blue Mounds, Fort Snelling, Jay Cooke, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Minneopa, Nerstrand-Big Woods, Sibley, Whitewater and Wild River state parks. There is no participation fee, but some of the hikes require advance registration. Find details about these First Day Hikes at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s First Day Hikes webpage.
The Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) call for ideas is now open for submissions.
RSDP supports local innovation across rural Minnesota by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources in four focus areas: natural resources, clean energy, agriculture and food systems and resilient communities. Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design and plan local sustainability projects with University students, faculty and staff.
Project ideas are being accepted through Feb. 14, and can be submitted online.
Join U.S. Travel on April 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. for the industry’s premier legislative fly-in. Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) brings together hundreds of travel industry leaders to meet face-to-face with policymakers, advocate for key legislative priorities and showcase travel’s essential impact on communities and economies nationwide. The program includes an afternoon of advocacy training, influential guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities, followed by a day dedicated to legislative meetings on Capitol Hill.
December 23, 2024 |
 |
| Dark skies and treetops, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness / Credit: Paul Vincent |
Whether you lead a team large or small, the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the place to discover fresh and actionable ideas and takeaways you can implement right away. View the conference schedule now.
The Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. This 1-½ day educational conference includes a line-up of tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering timely and thought-provoking topics relevant to today’s travel industry. Attending the in-person event is $250 per person and a virtual option is also available.
Register online today!
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals from across the state. The Tourism Conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Programs. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor.
Those attending through a Scholarship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement. The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
This new Explore Minnesota co-op integrates diversity in digital advertising one ad dollar at a time. We're teaming up with Orange142 to help support your DEI and multicultural marketing goals. Orange142 has over 40 data integrations within its advertising platform that can be utilized to build audience personas and advertising targeting segments for various multicultural audiences and demographics.
In collaboration with their sister company, Colossus SSP, they have exclusive access to multicultural and minority-owned websites, publishers and domains that can be leveraged to maximize digital advertising engagement and relevant reach. Explore Minnesota matches your investment between $2,000 and $5,000.
November 2024 was a relatively flat month for Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area for year over year (YoY) key hotel performance metrics of occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR).
At the state level, monthly hotel occupancy increased .2% YoY to 47.6%, ADR increased .7% YoY to $121.25 and RevPAR increased .9% YoY to $57.69. For reference, in November the total U.S. average occupancy was 59.4%, ADR was $152.70 and RevPAR was $90.66.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, November hotel occupancy was up 1.5% YoY to 50%, ADR was down 1.2% YoY to $122.64 and RevPAR was up .2% YoY to $61.30. In November, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 66.8%, ADR was $185.73 and RevPAR was $124.13.
AAA projects over 119 million Americans are expected to hit the road or take to the skies this holiday season, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
More travelers are interested in the travel experience, splurging on upgraded airfare, luxurious lodging and extended stays. The percentage of Americans planning trips lasting a week or more jumped from 25% in 2023 to 33% in 2024.
Young travelers are leading the way, with Gen Z accounting for 14% of planned trips this year, nearly double their share in 2023. Millennials are contributing to significant increases in both spending and travel frequency. This demographic is increasingly responsive to more convenient digital experiences such as mobile check-ins, contactless hotel access and personalized entertainment. As travel demand soars, the need to offer a seamless and secure experience is more critical than ever.
Looking ahead to Feb. 2025, U.S. Travel’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel will release its report, offering a bold vision to modernize and improve travel—while enhancing national security.
Read the full year-end forecast.
U.S. Travel’s ESTO is where destination marketers come together to spark innovation, share bold ideas and bring actionable insights home. Join ESTO 2025, the premier destination marketing forum, in Phoenix, Arizona, Aug. 17–19, 2025.
U.S. Travel is looking for brand and marketing trailblazers, thought leaders and innovators to help lead the conversation. ESTO 2025’s Call for Content opens Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025; it’s your chance to share expertise and inspire your peers.
View the requirements and plan ahead now.
December 16, 2024 |
 |
| Canadian Pacific Holiday Train |
Explore Minnesota has released its 2023 tourism industry research findings, revealing a historic year for Minnesota tourism. Visitor spending reached a record $14.1 billion in 2023, marking an increase of $1 billion over 2022 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019 by 7.8%. Minnesota also welcomed 80.2 million visitors in 2023, a 4.6% increase from the prior year.
Key Findings from Explore Minnesota's 2023 Tourism Research:
Explore Minnesota partners with Tourism Economics to quantify the economic impact of Minnesota’s visitor economy through a comprehensive model that captures the far-reaching impacts of visitor spending. State-level 2023 impacts were shared several months ago, and new county-level impacts are now ready for DMOs and other industry partners.
The free-to-download Minnesota County Table includes two key data types.The MN’23 Impacts tab contains direct, indirect and induced, as well as total spending, employment, labor income, state taxes and local taxes data for all 87 counties.There are separate annual tabs for 2019 through 2023 with county-level information focused on total visitor spend and spend for six sub-categories.
When Explore Minnesota presents to the legislature and other stakeholders about the value of tourism, visitor spending, employment and tax data are key pieces that tell that story. To get data that will help highlight the importance of tourism for your community, go to the Tourism & The Economy page of the Industry website and download the County Table.
Minnesota state and county-level Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) 2023 data from the MN Department of Revenue will be available in early 2025. Tourism economic impact and L&H data vary due to different definitions and approaches. While L&H hospitality data collects all sales, tourism economic impact data reflects activity from visitors who travel more than 50 miles from their home. For example, if you were to buy lunch at a café two miles from your home, this sale is included in L&H data. However, it is not captured in Tourism Economics visitor spend. Explore Minnesota is shifting focus to visitor economic impact data as it better reflects the effects of tourism.
Contact Gretchen Nussbaum, Explore Minnesota Research Analyst with questions, gretchen.nussbaum@state.mn.us.
Explore Minnesota is excited to welcome back the talented Miss Shannan Paul as emcee of the 2025 Annual Tourism Conference. Miss Shannan is a comedian, corporate speaker, voice actor and event emcee who uses humor to connect, uplift, and inspire. Known for her relatable comedy, she’s been named "Best Stand-up Comedian" by City Pages and has appeared on "Nick Mom’s Night Out" and "Laughs TV."
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The 1½-day conference will offer both in-person and virtual options for select presentations.
This annual event is tailored specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry and features national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas. The cost to attend the in-person 1½-day conference is $250 per person, and a virtual option is available,
Sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals from across the state. The conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available at the Minneapolis Convention Center during this event. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Are you a tourism industry leader looking to share your experience with a future tourism professional? Apply today to become a Tourism Conference Mentor. The Tourism Conference Mentorship Program is an opportunity to mentor post-secondary students and/or members of Tribal Nations during the 2025 Tourism Conference. The mentorship program gives scholarship recipients an opportunity to learn about the industry, develop skills and network.
Mentorship is open to any professional in Minnesota's travel and tourism industry with at least three years of experience. Applications are accepted now through Jan. 13, 2025.
Mentors who are selected will receive:
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Program. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor.
Those attending through the Scholarship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement.
The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
Join Explore Minnesota Film on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Tasty Lighting Supply in Minneapolis for an industry town hall to learn how this new office will advance the production industry in Minnesota.
We’ll discuss the state of the industry in Minnesota for the coming year, covering important topics such as new guidelines for the Film Production Tax Credit, the role of a state film office, new initiatives planned, and the marketing and promotion of Minnesota as a location.
Presenter Melodie Bahan, Explore Minnesota Film Deputy Director, will be joined by the staff, Sarah Gebeke, Production Liaison, and Jill Johansen, Incentives Specialist, to provide information and answer any questions.
Join in-person or online; the live stream link will be sent on Jan. 7, 2025.
Check out the new Constellations T-Shirt Series at Explore Minnesota’s Star of the North Shop. Profits from these sales go right back to promoting Minnesota! Be sure to check at the shop frequently and follow our social media channels for new product releases.
If you love Minnesota outdoors and want to learn more about the people responsible for Minnesota's tradition of excellence in outdoor recreation, check out the Explore Minnesota More podcast. Every other Thursday, Explore Minnesota More features the stories of the people building the outdoor experience in our state.
If you have any ideas for subjects we should consider covering, please email podcast ideas to Randolph Briley, Deputy Director of Outdoor Recreation, randolph.briley@state.mn.us.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Roundtable, an annual gathering of conservation partners to discuss fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource topics and encourage partnership, will again include a no-cost, open registration opportunity.
The 2025 DNR Roundtable will be held Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The opportunity to register for one of a limited number of first-come, first-served slots will open at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. At that time, a registration link will go live on the DNR’s Roundtable webpage.
The 2025 Roundtable will include a mix of important topics over the course of the day and an informal early evening reception. Program details will be available closer to the event.
December 9, 2024 |
 |
| Wool Scarves in The Mill Shop, Faribault / Photo Credit: Kelly Nygaard |
Explore Minnesota's Annual report from fiscal year 2024 is now available on the Explore Minnesota Tourism Industry website. Highlights include the successful launch of the Star of the North campaign, one-time funding for new initiatives such as recovery grants for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and an increase in promoting Minnesota's outdoor recreational activities through the Outdoor Industry Partnership (ORIP).
View the FY2024 Annual Report.
Outdoor recreation in Minnesota's unique natural spaces continues to grow as a driver of economic activity and jobs in the state. New federal data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows the outdoor recreation economy generated $13.5 billion in value added to the state's economy in 2023, demonstrating the sector's continued strength and impact.
The outdoor recreation economy in the United States continues to outperform the overall economy in several key metrics, despite economic fluctuations and market adjustments following the pandemic. Data indicates that participation in various outdoor activities has increased, along with a rise in related industries, including arts, entertainment, general recreation, accommodation, and food services. The report indicates that Minnesota's outdoor recreation sector has experienced modest yet strong, stable growth, with a 10.5% increase in value-added from 2022. This growth supports nearly 96,000 jobs and generates $5.9 billion in wages and compensation. Some manufacturers and retailers in Minnesota face challenges in moving inventory due to the current economic climate. Still, this growth highlights the sector's resilience and its crucial role in the state's economic landscape.
Key findings for Minnesota include:
Nationwide, the outdoor recreation economy has generated over $1.2 trillion in economic output and created five million jobs This marks another year of growth, demonstrating the market's resilience and significance for state economies. The average compensation per wage-and-salary job in Minnesota's outdoor recreation industries was more than $61,000 in 2023, illustrating the sector's ability to create quality jobs across urban and rural communities.
For more information about Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy, visit BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account.
Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Ski Areas Association have teamed up once again to promote Minnesota's downhill skiing and snowboarding areas throughout Minnesota through the end of the season. The Minnesota Slopes partnership aims to create awareness and generate travel to Minnesota ski areas and destinations throughout the winter. Additionally, the partners aim to increase website & social traffic, provide travel ideas and resources for consumers to plan their ski trips and getaways, encourage healthy lifestyles, and inspire travelers to experience new winter outdoor recreation activities.
Prospective skiing/boarding enthusiasts are targeted through a multimedia marketing approach, including KARE 11 sponsored ski reports, TV spots, Premion-Over the Top streaming TV, weather sponsorships, Orange142 travel intent digital and native ads, video instream, and a variety of partner communications.
Minnesota destinations and ski areas are encouraged to promote the MN Slopes campaign by sharing Explore Minnesota's social posts, including the MN Slopes logo and banner ads on your websites and newsletters, and displaying the posters and videos.
If you have questions about the Minnesota Slopes partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
Explore Minnesota launched the first-of-its-kind tourism, workforce attraction and livability marketing campaign in March 2024 with a series of unscripted, documentary-style videos, new advertising and website content. This past summer, Explore Minnesota conducted studies to understand the impact of these campaigns. Third-party reporting on the campaign is now available and found that:
As an extension of the agency's workforce attraction and livability marketing campaign, the initiative also added two new stories of newcomers to the state. Both individuals came for a job opportunity and stayed because of the access to the high quality of life.
The first story highlights Cherisse, a clinical laboratory geneticist at Mayo Clinic. Originally from the Bahamas, she moved to Minnesota for school, and she now calls Rochester home. The second story features Ursula, a teacher at Carver Elementary School in Maplewood. She moved from Florida to Minnesota and has found endless opportunities for adventure, no matter the season. Like our tourism campaign, these stories echo the incredible culture, highlighting the natural beauty and activities our state has to offer.
Learn more about the Star of the North workforce attraction campaign.
Join Explore Minnesota Film on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Tasty Lighting Supply in Minneapolis for an industry town hall to learn how this new office will advance the production industry in Minnesota.
We'll discuss the state of the industry in Minnesota for the coming year, covering important topics such as new guidelines for the Film Production Tax Credit, the role of a state film office, new initiatives planned, and the marketing and promotion of Minnesota as a production location.
Presenter Melodie Bahan, Explore Minnesota Film Deputy Director, will be joined by the staff, Sarah Gebeke, Production Liaison, and Jill Johansen, Incentives Specialist, to provide information and answer any questions.
Join in-person or online; the live stream link will be sent on Jan. 7.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The 1½-day conference will offer both in-person and virtual options (for select presentations).
This annual educational event is tailored specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry and features national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is now open. The cost to attend the in-person 1½-day conference is $250 per person. Virtual attendance is free, but registration is required in advance to receive the link to the live broadcast.
Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. The deadline for Tourism Award nominations will end this week on Friday, Dec. 13.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Learn more and submit your nominations.
Sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals from across the state. The conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are secured on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Program. Conference scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor
The industry Mentorship Program seeks Minnesota travel and tourism professionals to be matched with Scholarship Program recipients at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Those attending through the Scholarship or Mentorship Program will receive complimentary in-person registration and mileage reimbursement.
The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
December 2, 2024 |
 |
| Night We Light Parade, Bemidji / Photo Credit: Visit Bemidji |
This is the final reminder for Non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to apply for funds from the FY25 Recovery Grant, the closing date is this week, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. CST.
The FY25 Recovery Grant application, webinar recording, grant guidelines and FAQ's are posted on the industry website.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Starting in January, we invite businesses, organizations, and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders of the 2025 State Travel Guide for use throughout the coming year. Bulk orders will be shipped in January with 40 guides per box. Please request the quantity you estimate to need for the coming year. Single orders will continue to ship to individuals who request a travel guide on exploreminnesota.com.
These new guides highlight Voyageurs National Park as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2025, and feature travel itineraries created as part of our Star of the North campaign, including QR codes that direct to longform videos on our website. Thank you to all of the advertisers and writers who contributed content and photos to the new guide! With your support, we will reach a greater audience.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The 1½-day conference will offer both in-person and virtual options for select presentations.
This annual event is tailored specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry and features national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is now open. The cost to attend the in-person 1½-day conference is $250 per person. Virtual attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the link to the live broadcast.
Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. The deadline for Tourism Award nominations will end on Friday, Dec. 13.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
Sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals from across the state. The conference offers valuable opportunities to reach in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are secured on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may also be available. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to the Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Program. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry, and each scholarship recipient will be matched with an industry mentor
The Mentorship Program seeks Minnesota travel and tourism professionals to be matched with Scholarship Program recipients at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Those attending through the Scholarship or Mentorship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement.
The deadline to apply for all programs is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
Do you have an agritourism business idea but are unsure how to make it successful? Writing a business plan can dramatically increase the success of implementing your business ideas and goals. UMN Extension is hosting free virtual and in-person workshops to guide attendees through using the AgPlan online business planning software, a tool for creating a business plan to bring agritourism ideas to life.
Attend in-person in Brainerd on Dec. 5 or virtually on Jan. 28, 2025.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce another phase of the No Child Left Inside grants. These grants help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike or bike, or engage in other activities to learn more about nature.
Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving youth younger than 18, including Tribal Nations, schools or governments, can apply for No Child Left Inside grants. A special category of grants in this phase is held for organizations working in metropolitan environmental justice areas and serving youth from non-native English-speaking communities.
The request for proposal is available on the Minnesota DNR website. Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.
For more information about the grant program, instructions for applying, and a link to the application, visit the No Child Left Inside grants webpage. Direct questions to outreachgrants.dnr@state.mn.us with "Grant Questions" in the subject line or call 888-646-6367.
Save the date for the 2025 Resource Fair, which will be held at Urban Air Adventures in Plymouth on Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is designed for you to present your programs to these planners in person when they are planning summer trips. Community Education staff, City Park & Recreation Program staff, youth and adult education organizations attend the Summer Resource Fair to book summer field trips and activities.
Learn more and register online.
November 25, 2024 |
 |
| Poplar Haus - Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais / Photo Credit: Ryan Taylor |
Conference sponsorships are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while connecting with tourism professionals from across the state. The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference offers incredible opportunities for in-person and virtual attendees with sponsor recognition and engagement throughout the conference.
Sponsorships are secured on a first-come, first-served basis and must be paid in full by Feb. 10, 2025. Sponsored brand activations and additional visibility opportunities may be available at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Please contact Michael Hernandez at 651-757-1876 or michael.hernandez@state.mn.us to learn more.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The 1½-day conference will offer both in-person and virtual options for select presentations.
This annual event is tailored specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry and features national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is now open. The cost to attend the in-person 1½-day conference is $250 per person. Virtual attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the link to the live broadcast.
Less than three weeks remain to submit a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination by making a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
Explore Minnesota invites post-secondary students and members of Tribal Nations to our annual Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Program. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry.
The Mentorship Program seeks Minnesota travel and tourism professionals to be matched with Scholarship Program recipients at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Those attending through the Scholarship or Mentorship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement.
The deadline to apply is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
Explore Minnesota is teaming up with Milwaukee Magazine to create an eight-page special section promoting Minnesota in the May 2025 issue and online at milwaukeemag.com. You can participate in the section through full, half or quarter-page ads that will be featured within custom content written by Milwaukee Magazine's Studio.
Milwaukee Magazine is a leading city and regional title in Wisconsin. They just received a National Award for General Excellence from the City and Regional Magazine Association. Milwaukee Magazine's readers are affluent, educated locals with disposable income and a high propensity to travel. Readers look to them when making travel and purchasing decisions.
Learn more about the Milwaukee Magazine co-op.
Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul area October 2024 hotel performance improved year over year (YoY) for the key performance metrics of occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR).
At the state –level, monthly hotel occupancy increased 1.5% YoY to 61.4%, ADR increased 3.7% YoY to $139.69 and RevPAR increased 5.3% YoY to $85.81. For reference, in October the total U.S. average occupancy was 67.3%, ADR was $164.86 and RevPAR was $110.94.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, October hotel occupancy was up .7% YoY to 63.1%, ADR was up 2.8% YoY to $143.13 and RevPAR was up 3.6% YoY to $90.34. For reference, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy in October was 67.3%, ADR was $164.86 and RevPAR was $110.94.
In the Nov. 2024 Longwoods International survey, leisure travelers were asked about the impact of U.S. election results on upcoming travel plans. In the coming year, 21% of respondents said they will travel more, and 8% said they will travel less within the U.S. Additionally, 7% of survey respondents said that they will travel more internationally, while 3% said they will take fewer international trips in the next year. A remaining 69% reported that election results will not impact their travel plans.
According to Longwoods, the boost in the intent to travel may be the result of increased optimism about the U.S. economy. In fact, 43% of travelers believe they will be better off in the next four years, versus 21% who think they will be worse off.
For more election-related research findings and general leisure travel trends, review the American Travel Sentiment Survey – Wave 91.
The University of Minnesota Tourism Center and Hospitality Minnesota are excited to launch the Online Customer Service training program. This asynchronous online program provides customer service training at the basic skill level, is free of charge to Minnesota residents.
The initiative was funded by the Minnesota Legislature. Per Sec. 116L98 of Minnesota Statutes, each program participant must answer a series of questions and sign an equal opportunity statement to access the online training program.
Please reach out to Dr. Xinyi Qian, qianx@umn.edu with any questions.
November 18, 2024 |
 |
| Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, kicking off with a half-day session on Tuesday, February 18, followed by a full day of programming on Wednesday, February 19. The 1½-day conference will offer both in-person and virtual options for select presentations.
This annual event is tailored specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry and features national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas.
Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is now open. The cost to attend the in-person 1½-day conference is $250 per person. Virtual attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the link to the live broadcast.
Explore Minnesota invites students and members of Tribal Nations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference through our Scholarship Program. Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and connection to Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry.
The Mentorship Program seeks Minnesota travel and tourism professionals to be matched with Scholarship Program recipients at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference.
Those attending through the Scholarship or Mentorship Program will receive complimentary registration and mileage reimbursement.
The deadline to apply is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Apply now:
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
The holidays are right around the corner. To have your luminary, holiday and winter events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update and/or create new listings by Friday, Nov. 22.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of October. Secured media coverage for the month, garnering 449,901,052 impressions and ad value equivalency of $104,886.72.
Highlights included Stacey Leasca's coverage of Anoka as the Halloween Capital of the world for Travel + Leisure and Cassandra Brooklyn's Sierra Club coverage of Minnesota's North Shore as one of the best places to go leaf peeping in fall.
Effective immediately, Explore Minnesota is unable to accept deliveries at the following locations:
These two facilities are "Partner" Welcome Centers within our Welcome Center network. Our operating partners have informed us that they will no longer be staffed effective January 2025, so brochures will no longer be stocked at these locations. The welcome centers are in Minnesota Department of Transportation facilities that will remain open to the public as rest areas. Please note that all other Explore Minnesota Welcome Centers remain unaffected.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Julie Ramer, Explore Minnesota Welcome Centers Network Supervisor, at julie.ramer@state.mn.us or 651-539-5105.
In the past, Explore Minnesota staff has coordinated the brochure distribution programs on behalf of Minnesota's tourism industry at both the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the distribution programs will be managed by the staff at MSP Airport and Mall of America, respectively. For information regarding participation in the 2025 brochure distribution programs, please contact:
MSP International Airport
John Hewitt, Travelers Assistance Operations Manager
John.Hewitt@mspmac.org
Mall of America
Natasha Freimark, Senior Director Partnership Sales
Natasha.Freimark@moa.net
The Minnesota Humanities Center is offering grants of up to $50,000 to individuals and organizations that have a history of working with diverse cultural communities to support community events, music and jazz festivals, or cultural festivals for art installations, music, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events.
An applicant awarded a festival grant must demonstrate one of the following:
Festival grants are to be used in Minnesota for:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 30, 2025.
For more details and application instructions, visit the website.
November 12, 2024 |
 |
| Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
Our Star of the North winter campaign launched Nov. 11. The regional campaign highlights two new winter itineraries in central and southern Minnesota, and runs across digital and paid social channels, while our niche campaigns will connect with winter sports enthusiasts and performing arts fans nationwide.
Read more and view the winter spots.
The holidays are right around the corner. To have your luminary, holiday and winter events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update and/or create new listings by Friday, Nov. 22.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Grant funds are still available in the FY25 Recovery Grant program. Applications will be accepted until all funds are awarded or Dec. 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. CST.
Non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are encouraged to apply now for the purpose of tourism marketing and promotion for the economic benefit of their communities.
The FY25 Recovery Grant application, webinar recording, grant guidelines and FAQ's are posted on the industry website.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
Effective immediately, Explore Minnesota is unable to accept deliveries at the following locations:
These two facilities are "Partner" Welcome Centers within our Welcome Center network. Our operating partners have informed us that they will no longer be staffed effective January 2025, so brochures will no longer be stocked at these locations. The welcome centers are in Minnesota Department of Transportation facilities that will remain open to the public as rest areas. Please note that all other Explore Minnesota Welcome Centers remain unaffected.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Julie Ramer, Explore Minnesota Welcome Centers Network Supervisor, at julie.ramer@state.mn.us or 651-539-5105.
In the past, Explore Minnesota staff has coordinated the brochure distribution programs on behalf of Minnesota's tourism industry at both the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the distribution programs will be managed by the staff at MSP Airport and Mall of America, respectively. For information regarding participation in the 2025 brochure distribution programs, please contact:
MSP International Airport
John Hewitt, Travelers Assistance Operations Manager
John.Hewitt@mspmac.org
Mall of America
Natasha Freimark, Senior Director Partnership Sales
Natasha.Freimark@moa.net
Engage in exclusive dialogues with industry leaders, policymakers and cutting-edge experts across travel, transportation and aviation at U.S. Travel's Future of Travel Mobility conference on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C.
This year's event will explore the public-private collaboration required to transform U.S. infrastructure, advance AI and emerging technologies and develop energy-diverse solutions that will reshape the travel landscape through the next decade and beyond.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Minnesota Organic Conference, an annual statewide conference that highlights organic agricultural practices. Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the two-day conference will take place Jan. 9-10, 2025, at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
The event will feature keynote speakers and more than 30 breakout sessions providing educational opportunities in areas like organic crop production, dairy, livestock, fruits and vegetables, marketing, and business. Attendees will also have access to an 80-booth trade show featuring information about relevant products and services.
Early-bird pricing is currently available for those who register by Dec. 2, after which prices will increase. Two-day, one-day, and student registration options are available. Full pricing details can be found on the Minnesota Organic Conference webpage.
For more information, visit the MDA's website.
November 4, 2024 |
 |
| US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Krivit Photography, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis |
For many years, Explore Minnesota staff has coordinated the brochure distribution programs on behalf of Minnesota's tourism industry at both the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the staff at MSP Airport and Mall of America will manage the distribution programs, respectively.
For information regarding participation in the 2025 brochure distribution programs, please contact:
MSP International Airport
John Hewitt, Travelers Assistance Operations Manager
John.Hewitt@mspmac.org
Mall of America
Natasha Freimark, Senior Director Partnership Sales
Natasha.Freimark@moa.net
Minnesota and North Dakota have joined the Confluence of States, bringing the total number of member states to 20. The two Midwestern neighbors signed the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords on Oct. 16 at the Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula, Montana.
This bipartisan initiative aims to support and grow the outdoor recreation economy, which contributes $1.1 trillion to the U.S. GDP and supports 5 million jobs nationwide. The Confluence Accords focus on five key areas: conservation, education, economic development, public health, and opportunity. With this expansion, the Confluence of States continues to strengthen its collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable outdoor recreation across the country.
Learn more about how Minnesota can benefit from membership in the Confluence.
The holidays are right around the corner. To have your luminary, holiday and winter events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update and/or create new listings by Friday, Nov. 22.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota is excited roll out new designs and merchandise in our online Star of the North Shop. Pre-order your very own Star of the North buffalo plaid flannel shirt. Perfect for long walks in a Minnesota prairie or a boreal forest. Get one for yourself, your team, or start checking off items on your holiday gift list. The profits go right back to promoting Minnesota!
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
Minnesota destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and noteworthy in their communities to Explore Minnesota staff.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of every month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. for 30 minutes - 20 minutes for a PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for open dialogue and Q&A.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program is a collaborative initiative with the University of Minnesota aimed at helping small communities effectively leverage federal, state, and local investments.
The application process for round 2 of the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program is now open and accepting submissions until Nov. 15. The first step is to use this form to schedule a meeting with your ESMC team member to determine how ESMC may assist your community.
The University of Minnesota Office for Public Engagement invites the University community and general public to the 2025 University of Minnesota Public Engagement Conference.
The daylong conference will showcase the variety of ways the University partners with communities, governments, non-profit organizations, business and industry in community-engaged teaching, research and outreach.
Save the date for Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Coffman Memorial Union on the University's Twin Cities campus, registration details will be posted online.
October 28, 2024 |
 |
| Halloween Pumpkin, Anoka / Photo Credit: Andrew Parks |
Since opening its doors, Mall of America® has revolutionized the shopping experience for tens of millions of visitors a year. A leader in retail, entertainment and attractions, the Mall is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the #1 tourist attraction in Minnesota, and a true global icon.
Through this digital display advertising co-op, you'll have the ability to reach Mall of America ® visitors via two options: digital vertical screens or digital directory screens. Both are Mall-wide activations, and the digital vertical screens option offers three price tiers to accommodate most tourism marketing budgets.
If you are interested, be sure to learn more on how you can participate.
Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul area Sept. 2024 hotel performance were lower year over year (YoY) for occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR), while YoY average daily rate (ADR) was up slightly.
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy decreased 2.7% YoY to 62.2%, ADR increased .8% YoY to $139.96 and RevPAR decreased 5% YoY to $87.05. For reference, in September the total U.S. average occupancy was 64.6%, ADR was $162.63 and RevPAR was $105.04.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, Sept. hotel occupancy was down 6% YoY to 64.5%, ADR was up 1.2% YoY to $141.90 and RevPAR was down 4.8% YoY to $91.58. In Sept., the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 64.6%, ADR was $162.63 and RevPAR was $105.04.
The holidays are right around the corner. To have your luminary, holiday and winter events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update and/or create new listings by Friday, Nov. 22.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota is excited to roll out new designs and merchandise in our online Star of the North Shop. Pre-order your very own Star of the North buffalo plaid flannel shirt. Perfect for long walks in a Minnesota prairie or a boreal forest. Get one for yourself, your team, or start checking off items on your holiday gift list. The profits go right back to promoting Minnesota!
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has posted a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils, and committees. There are currently three seats open on both the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council and the Explore Minnesota for Business Council as follows:
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Explore Minnesota for Business Council
What's expected as an Explore Minnesota Council Member:
All current Explore Minnesota Council members remain appointed until a replacement appointment is made, or formal resignation is received.
Please share or post these opportunities within your own networks.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are encouraged to use the online application so that the appointing authority will have access to your information as soon as it is submitted.
Alternative ways to apply:
Applications submitted via downloadable application may experience some delay in reaching the appointing authority.
Paper applications may be submitted by email to Open.Appointments@state.mn.us or by mail or in person to:
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
180 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-1299
In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies, receiving applications, and recording appointments. Applications will be reviewed, and appointments made, by the appointing authorities; questions about specific vacancies and appointments should be directed to the appointing authority. Applications are kept on file for one year.
Questions can be directed to Beth Helle at beth.helle@state.mn.us or 651-757-1872.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to create its official 2026 travel guide. The goal of the guide is to inspire travel to and throughout Minnesota by highlighting the state's major travel destinations, attractions, recreational activities, and providing relevant trip-planning information to consumers, as well as highlighting the features that make Minnesota a great place to live and work.
The Travel Guide RFP will be posted soon in the State's Supplier Portal, please review details for submitting your proposal online.
In the October Longwoods International national survey, 91% of travelers reported having leisure travel plans in the next six months. However, economic concerns continue to impact travel plans. Specifically, 28% said that concerns about their personal financial situation would greatly impact decisions, 22% said that transportation costs would greatly impact decisions and 30% said that inflation would greatly impact travel decisions.
This survey wave posed questions about the upcoming holiday travel season. Compared to last year 19% plan to travel more, 64% plan to travel about the same amount and 18% plan to travel less this year. When asked about spending this year compared to last year, 23% plan to spend more, 55% plan to spend about the same amount, and 22% plan to spend less. Similar to last year, just 9% do not have holiday travel plans this year. This holiday season 49% will travel with their spouse/significant other and 46% will travel with their immediate family/children. The top three holiday season travel activities are visit friends/relatives (61%), go shopping (57%) and see holiday lights (46%).
This survey round also included questions about visiting small, locally owned business (e.g. restaurants, shops and activities) while on vacation. When asked where they typically find information about small, locally owned businesses when trip planning, the top three information sources were online search (53%), advice from friends, family and/or other visitors (48%) and tips and suggestions from locals (45%). When asked about appealing reasons for visiting locally owned businesses while on vacation the top three reasons were buying from and supporting small, locally owned businesses (66%), browsing and/or buying local products (66%) and enjoying the unique environment or experience of a local business (62%).
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 90.
October 21, 2024 |
 |
| Horseback Riding in River Valley Ranch, Carver / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
Explore Minnesota is excited to begin rolling out new designs and merchandise in our online Star of the North Shop. The profits go right back into promoting Minnesota!
Starting now, you can pre-order your very own Star of the North buffalo plaid flannel shirt. Perfect for long walks in a Minnesota prairie or a boreal forest. Get one for yourself, your team, or start checking off items on your holiday gift list.
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism by submitting a nomination for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards. Help us celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that make Minnesota a premier travel destination.
Award categories include:
The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2024. Awards will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Watch Industry News in the coming weeks for the Conference dates and location announcement. Nominations are open through Dec. 13, 2024.
Learn more and submit your nominations.
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has posted a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils, and committees. There are currently three seats open on both the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council and the Explore Minnesota for Business Council as follows:
Explore Minnesota Tourism Council
Explore Minnesota for Business Council
What's expected as an Explore Minnesota Council Member:
All current Explore Minnesota Council members remain appointed until a replacement appointment is made or formal resignation is received.
Please share or post these opportunities within your own networks.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are encouraged to use the online application so that the appointing authority will have access to your information as soon as it is submitted.
Alternative ways to apply:
Applications submitted via downloadable application may experience some delay in reaching the appointing authority.
Paper applications may be submitted by email to Open.Appointments@state.mn.us or by mail or in person to:
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
180 State Office Building,
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-1299
In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies, receiving applications, and recording appointments. Applications will be reviewed, and appointments made, by the appointing authorities; questions about specific vacancies and appointments should be directed to the appointing authority. Applications are kept on file for one year.
Questions can be directed to Beth Helle at beth.helle@state.mn.us or 651-757-1872.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to create its official travel guide. The goal of the guide is to inspire travel to and throughout Minnesota by highlighting the state's major travel destinations, attractions, recreational activities, and providing relevant trip-planning information to consumers, as well as highlighting the features that make Minnesota a great place to live and work.
The Travel Guide RFP will be posted in the State's Supplier Portal, please review details for submitting your proposal online.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and newsworthy in their destination to Explore Minnesota staff.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 20 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
The Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) recently presented Julie Wearn, CEO of Visit Roseville, as the recipient of the 2024 Roger Toussaint Award at its annual conference. This prestigious award is MACVB's highest honor, recognizing significant achievements and ongoing contributions to Minnesota's tourism industry by an outstanding member.
"Wearn's exemplary career and dedication to advancing the state's tourism industry makes her a fitting recipient of this esteemed award," said Deb McMillan, Executive Director of MACVB.
"I am incredibly honored to receive the Roger Toussaint Award from MACVB. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Minnesota's tourism industry and the talented individuals I've had the privilege of working with over the years," said Wearn. "Our shared goal of showcasing the best of Minnesota has been a driving force in my career, and I'm grateful to be part of such a dynamic and resilient community."
As a seasoned leader with over 30 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, Wearn has served as CEO of Visit Roseville for the past 18 years. Her commitment to enhancing tourism in Minnesota has been instrumental in growing Roseville's prominence as a destination, and her visionary leadership has elevated the region's impact on the broader Minnesota tourism economy.
In 2022, Wearn was recognized by Explore Minnesota Tourism with its top honor as Tourism Professional of the Year, further underscoring her deep commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the industry.
Engage in exclusive dialogues with industry leaders, policymakers and cutting-edge experts across travel, transportation and aviation at U.S. Travel's Future of Travel Mobility conference on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C.
This year's event will explore the public-private collaboration required to transform U.S. infrastructure, advance AI and emerging technologies and develop energy-diverse solutions that will reshape the travel landscape through the next decade and beyond.
October 14, 2024 |
 |
| Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener 2024 |
The 2024 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO) took place in Sleepy Eye on Oct. 11-12, marking the eleventh annual event that showcases Minnesota's conservation work and tourism opportunities.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and other dignitaries celebrated pheasant hunting opener weekend in Sleepy Eye with a public land celebration at the Rosenau-Lambrecht Wildlife Management Area on Friday afternoon. Following, the community celebrated with a food truck gathering at the renovated PIX Theater, home of the Sleepy Eye Brewing Co. and Sleepy Eye Coffee Co. Saturday included a hunters' breakfast, hunter's safety overview and a post-hunt lunch and bird cleaning at the Sleepy Eye Sportsman's Club. There were six roosters harvested by all hunting parties during Saturday's hunt.
An enormous thank you to Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce and CVB, the community of Sleepy Eye, Brown County, and all the volunteers, hunters, and sponsors for hosting an outstanding event.
The 2025 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener will take place in Ortonville and Big Stone County, Oct. 10-11, 2025. Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will assist local partners in planning the event.
Celebrate the best of Minnesota tourism! Nominate outstanding individuals, marketing campaigns, and initiatives that make our state a premier travel destination. The Awards, including Social Media Excellence and Emerging Leader, will be presented at the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Nominations are open through December 13, 2024.
Click Here for details and to submit your nominations.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of September. Highlights include Terry Ward's inclusion of Minnesota for fall travel in a segment for WTSP-TV in Tampa, and Perri Blumberg's inclusion of Minnesota for best scenic fall road trips in Men's Journal.
Secured media coverage for the month, garnering 254,620,988 impressions and ad value equivalency of $48,506.52:
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day", and we want to make sure your events are added to our consumer event calendar.
To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct 18.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing in the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and SE Regional Sustainable Development Partnership invite you to join them on Tues. Oct. 29 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the U of M Rochester to hear the analysis of the challenges, best practices and opportunities to equip resilient community-focused organizations led by people who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC) or which are serving diverse populations through the release of their Pathways to Prosperity study.
We invite you to attend in-person, though a virtual participation option is available. For virtual attendees, a Zoom link will be emailed to you ahead of time. Please register by Oct. 17.
Join Destinations International at the 2024 Advocacy Summit in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico this Oct. 22-24 and transform your passion for the work of destination organizations into powerful advocacy that makes an impact. The 2024 Advocacy Summit is approved for up to 12 CDME continuing education (CE) credits.
Engage in exclusive dialogues with industry leaders, policymakers and cutting-edge experts across travel, transportation and aviation at U.S. Travel's Future of Travel Mobility conference on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C..This year's event will explore the public-private collaboration required to transform U.S. infrastructure, advance AI and emerging technologies and develop energy-diverse solutions that will reshape the travel landscape through the next decade and beyond.
October 7, 2024 |
 |
| Camping at North Shore Camping Co, Beaver Bay / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The Film & TV Production Liaison exists to provide a critical link between film and TV production companies, government agencies, local crew and vendors, and the public. This position will work in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Film, providing strategic insight as it relates to the film industry and ensures full integration and cooperation across the division.
This position will be responsible for managing the details of the Film Friendly Communities program from beginning to end, including developing guidelines and procedures, recruiting local representatives, and promoting the program and locations throughout the state to the industry. This position represents Explore Minnesota Film throughout the state. The Production Liaison reports to the Deputy Director, Film and works closely with employees in other state departments, the industry and the general public.
Apply online, search Film & TV Production Liaison – SPA Senior, Job Posting 80357. The deadline to apply is Oct. 8.
The Iowa Wolves, based in Des Moines, Iowa, are offering Explore Minnesota an exciting new partnership opportunity to advertise to engaged Wolves sports fans during the 2024-2025 season. Goals include delivering measurable brand impressions, building the Explore Minnesota newsletter database, creating awareness and inspiring fans to explore Minnesota.
The sponsorship package includes the Presenting Partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Arena on Oct. 11 at 6:00 p.m. with prominent in-game signage, including in-game video board and LED ribbon branding, concourse A-frame signage, customized selfie station graphics, an on-court fan competition and an opportunity to provide branded items to fans with a section giveaway. Explore Minnesota will be the Presenting Partner of Final Score Graphics social content for all regular season home and away games. A custom 4-6 weeklong promotional sweepstakes campaign will run with email ads and paid social posts hosted by the Iowa Wolves. Branding assets will run during all regular season home games, including one (1) 30-second in-game commercial displayed on the video board, basket pad LED, and player entrance banners.
The Iowa Wolves are the NBA G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves and is one of 30 NBA G League teams affiliated with an NBA franchise. From 2007 to 2017, the team was known as the Iowa Energy in the NBA Development League until being purchased and renamed to the Iowa Wolves by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Energy were one of the most successful franchises in league history, winning the 2011 league title and three conference championships. The affiliation between the Timberwolves and the Wolves is the second between the Twin Cities and Des Moines, as the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League also share an affiliation.
If you have questions about the Iowa Wolves partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
Explore Minnesota (EMN) regularly reviews and analyzes travel indicators to better understand tourism industry trends and health. A new report focused on state-level travel spring/summer season trends from April 1 to Aug. 31, 2024 is now available.
Spring/Summer 2024 Minnesota travel indicators show continued year-over-year (YoY) growth.
View the full report.
Celebrating its 77th year, the Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote Minnesota's natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine a media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in our communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2025 Governor's Fishing Opener (May 9-10,2025). This annual event is produced in cooperation between the host community and Explore Minneosta, Minnesota DNR and the Minnesota Governor's Office, and has garnered massive radio, print and broadcast media coverage for host communities in the past.
To submit an application as a host community for the Governor's Fishing Opener in 2025, please download the Request for Proposals and application. The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct.18.
Please contact Nicole Lalum at (218) 316-3330 or nicole.lalum@state.mn.us with inquiries.
Minnesota destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and noteworthy in their destination to Explore Minnesota staff.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of every month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. for 30 minutes - 20 minutes for a PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for open dialogue and Q&A.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day", and we want to make sure your events are added to our consumer event calendar.
To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct 18.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing in the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and SE Regional Sustainable Development Partnership invite you to join them on Tues. Oct. 29 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the U of M Rochester to hear the analysis of the challenges, best practices and opportunities to equip resilient community-focused organizations led by people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) or which are serving diverse populations through the release of their Pathways to Prosperity study.
We invite you to attend in-person, though a virtual participation option is available. For virtual attendees, a Zoom link will be emailed to you ahead of time. Please register by Oct. 17.
Join Destinations International at the 2024 Advocacy Summit in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico this Oct. 22-24 and transform your passion for the work of destination organizations into powerful advocacy that makes an impact. The 2024 Advocacy Summit is approved for up to 12 CDME continuing education (CE) credits.
Engage in exclusive dialogues with industry leaders, policymakers and cutting-edge experts across travel, transportation and aviation at U.S. Travel's Future of Travel Mobility conference on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C.
This year's event will explore the public-private collaboration required to transform U.S. infrastructure, advance AI and emerging technologies and develop energy-diverse solutions that will reshape the travel landscape through the next decade and beyond.
September 30, 2024 |
 |
| Kayaking on Medicine Lake, Plymouth / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The Multimedia Content Specialist conceptualizes, develops and edits compelling and on-brand digital content for various applications, with a primary focus on producing and creating professional level video and photo assets, and creating/editing web-ready content to support tourism, livability, and business attraction initiatives on behalf of Explore Minnesota. This role also is the lead in photography collection, editing, and publishing. This position will be responsible for all aspects of video production including pre-production planning, filming, sourcing, coordinating releases and licensure, as well as post-production duties of editing, audio mixing, and color correction. The multimedia content specialist develops content for digital advertising, social media, exploreminnesota.com, live presentations and other applications.
Apply online, search Multimedia Content Specialist - Communications Specialist 2, Job Posting 80183. The deadline to apply is Oct. 3.
The Film & TV Production Liaison exists to provide a critical link between film and TV production companies, government agencies, local crew and vendors, and the public. This position will work in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Film, providing strategic insight as it relates to the film industry development focus and opportunities and ensures full integration and cooperation across the division. This position will be responsible to manage the details of the Film Friendly Communities program from beginning to end, including developing guidelines and procedures, recruiting local representatives, and promoting the program and locations throughout the state to the industry. This position represents Explore Minnesota Film throughout the state. The Production Liaison reports to the Deputy Director, Film and works closely with employees in other state departments, the industry, and the general public.
Apply online, search Film & TV Production Liaison – SPA Senior, Job Posting 80357. The deadline to apply is Oct. 8.
Explore Minnesota recently provided an overview of results from FY24 international activities, and outlined their FY25 strategy, which encompasses both international and group segments.
Access the presentation slides, FY24 annual report, and FAM tour application and participation forms from the industry website.
Questions? Please email Jen Schak, Market Development Manager, at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and newsworthy in their destination to Explore Minnesota staff.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 20 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day", and we want to make sure your events are added to our consumer event calendar.
To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct 18.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing in the Explore Minnesota extranet.
If you love Minnesota outdoors and want to learn more about the people responsible for Minnesota's tradition of excellence in outdoor recreation, check out Explore Minnesota More podcast.
Previous episodes include a peek into how Minnesota hosted one of the greatest Nordic skiing events in American history and how Cuyuna transformed from a mining town to one of the top 25 mountain-biking destinations on the entire planet. Explore Minnesota More features the stories of the people building the outdoor experience in our state.
Similar to last month and other recent leisure traveler surveys, in a Sept. Longwoods International national survey, 91% of travelers reported having travel plans in the next six months. Despite the strong appetite, economic concerns continue to impact travel plans. Specifically, 28% said that concerns about their personal financial situation would greatly impact their travel decisions, 23% said that transportation costs would greatly impact their travel decisions and 28% said that inflation would greatly impact travel decisions.
This survey wave posed questions about how a destination's political reputation (e.g. traditionally blue/Democratic or red/Republican) influences the decision to travel there. Responses were mixed with 45% reporting that political reputation does not influence decisions and another 25% saying that it influences their travel decisions but is not the main deciding factor. Only 11% avoid traveling to destinations with a certain political reputation. Generally, those who identify as Democrat are more likely to consider or be impacted by a destination's political reputation.
This survey round also included questions about air travel and fall travel. The top three factors that will reduce the likelihood of traveling by air are higher fuel costs raising the cost of flying (39%), risk of flight delays/cancellations (25%) and crowded airports and planes (23%). This fall, the top activities national travelers plan to participate in are visiting friends and family (65%), taking a road trip (46%) and visiting a national or state park or monument (32%).
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 89.
Engage in exclusive dialogues with industry leaders, policymakers and cutting-edge experts across travel, transportation and aviation at U.S. Travel's Future of Travel Mobility conference on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C.
This year's event will explore the public-private collaboration required to transform U.S. infrastructure, advance AI and emerging technologies and develop energy-diverse solutions that will reshape the travel landscape through the next decade and beyond.
Join Destinations International at the 2024 Advocacy Summit in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico this Oct. 22-24 and transform your passion for the work of destination organizations into powerful advocacy that makes an impact. The 2024 Advocacy Summit is approved for up to 12 CDME continuing education (CE) credits.
September 23, 2024 |
 |
| Fall Drive in Frontenac / Photo Credit: BJ Schulz |
The Market Development Representative will help coordinate Market Development projects across the agency that promote Destination Development. This position supports and executes strategic initiatives that expand Minnesota's global presence in key market segments. Specifically, this position conducts a broad array of duties in support of Market Development programs; executes marketing and public relations campaigns; provides oversight of international media relations; cultivates and maintains partnerships; leads event and trade show coordination for the department; and assists with presentations, copywriting, research, and general representation of Explore Minnesota in public and industry-facing settings.
Apply online, search Market Development Representative – Travel & Tourism Rep, Job Posting 79597. The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.
The Multimedia Content Specialist conceptualizes, develops and edits compelling and on-brand digital content for various applications, with a primary focus on producing and creating professional level video and photo assets, and creating/editing web-ready content to support tourism, livability, and business attraction initiatives on behalf of Explore Minnesota. This role also is the lead in photography collection, editing, and publishing. This position will be responsible for all aspects of video production including pre-production planning, filming, sourcing, coordinating releases and licensure, as well as post-production duties of editing, audio mixing, and color correction. The multimedia content specialist develops content for digital advertising, social media, exploreminnesota.com, live presentations and other applications.
Apply online, search Multimedia Content Specialist - Communications Specialist 2, Job Posting 80183. The deadline to apply is Oct. 3.
This new co-op marketing program with AAA consists of email deployments, where Minnesota sponsored content ad links to an online article on the AAA Living website. Each participant receives 30 words of copy in the online article, a tag to track results, and a link to their website within their copy.
AAA provides strong engagement; their e-newsletter boasts an impressive average open rate of 45% - more than double the national travel industry average. This translates to real results for your co-op campaign. Through this co-op, you'll also gather first-party opt-in data the AAA audience actively seeks travel inspiration, ensuring your message reaches highly receptive potential visitors.
Learn more and sign-up for the AAA co-op.
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day", and we want to make sure your events are added to our consumer event calendar. To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct 18. Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us. Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Summer 2024 ended strong for accommodations with all August hotel performance metrics increasing year over year (YoY).
At the state-level, monthly hotel occupancy increased 2.7% YoY to 70%;, average daily rate (ADR) increased 4.8% YoY to $145.41; and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 7.5% YoY to $101.81. For reference, in August the total U.S. average occupancy was 66.9%, ADR was $157.84, and RevPAR was $105.67.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, August hotel occupancy was up 6.6% YoY to 74.3%, ADR was up 5.7% YoY to $143.67, and RevPAR was up 12.7% YoY to $106.70. In August, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 71%, ADR was $176.20, and RevPAR was $125.06.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is looking to recruit roughly 100 community members to serve as grant reviewers for competitive workforce development grant programs, including the Transformative Career Pathway Competitive Grant and the Child Care Economic Development Grant Program for this fall and potentially late winter 2024-25.
Click here to apply online, the application will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Reviewer training sessions will be held on Oct. 10 from 1-3 p.m. for individuals selected to serve as community reviewers. If you have questions, email AskDEED@state.mn.us.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to fish and wildlife conservation, promoting knowledge and skills in fishing, hunting, trapping, and related activities, conservation policy and funding, parks and trails, and aquatic invasive species.
Advisory groups are one way the DNR works with Minnesotans to further the department's mission. Participation in one of these appointed roles is an important way Minnesotans can contribute their ideas and perspectives.
The Great Lakes Outdoor Summit welcomes outdoor recreation advocates, enthusiasts, businesses, and adventurers from throughout the Midwest to interact and learn from each other in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment on Oct. 24-26 in Duluth.
Curated by the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA), this year's Summit will include 12 informational sessions ranging from environmental stewardship, inclusivity, non-profit capacity building, and more! Outdoor activities and field trips will accompany the Summit, allowing attendees to experience all that Duluth has to offer.
September 16, 2024 |
 |
| Enger Tower, Duluth / Photo Credit: Mary Mathis |
Explore Minnesota, in partnership with the Governor's Office and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), has launched a new multichannel Star of the North campaign aimed at attracting businesses to locate or expand in the state of Minnesota. Building on the story that Minnesota is a top place to visit and live, the nationwide campaign highlights why Minnesota is a top state for business.
The initiative captures the stories of leading businesses across key industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences and features video testimonials from Mayo Clinic Business Development (Rochester), Microbiologics (St. Cloud), Polar Semiconductor (Bloomington) and Rosenbauer America (Wyoming).
The campaign, which launched alongside new web content, will run nationwide through June 2025. Check out the new campaign and video ads online www.exploreminnesota.com/business.
The Film Incentive Specialist position exists to provide strategic oversight of the Minnesota Film Production Tax Credit Program at Explore Minnesota. This position will work in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Film, to provide strategic insight as it relates to film industry development and opportunities and ensures full integration and cooperation across the division. This position will be responsible for managing the details of the incentive process from beginning to end, including developing guidelines and RFP's, assessing applicant eligibility and conducting a detailed review of production expenses to determine eligibility for the program, all based on established rules and procedures. This position is responsible for the communication and organizational development of the program and will work closely with program administrators. This position works closely with the Deputy Director of Film, to set strategic priorities for the department and develop annual initiatives and budgets.
Apply online, search Film Incentive Specialist – SPAI, Job Posting 80088. SPAI position has been posted. The deadline to apply is Sept. 17.
The Market Development Representative will help coordinate Market Development projects across the agency that promote Destination Development. This position supports and executes strategic initiatives that expand Minnesota's global presence in key market segments. Specifically, this position conducts a broad array of duties in support of Market Development programs; executes marketing and public relations campaigns; provides oversight of international media relations; cultivates and maintains partnerships; leads event and trade show coordination for the department; and assists with presentations, copywriting, research, and general representation of Explore Minnesota in public and industry-facing settings.
Apply online, search Market Development Representative – Travel & Tourism Rep, Job Posting 79597. The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.
Join us in person at the Explore Minnesota office or virtually via zoom for the International and Leisure Group Market Development Meeting on Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Explore Minnesota will provide an overview of results from FY24 international activities, and outline our FY25 strategy, which will encompass both international and group segments.
Explore Minnesota's office address is 121 7th Place East, St. Paul, MN 55101. We are located on the 3rd floor, suite 360. Please note that several downtown St. Paul roads just outside of our building and our building are currently under construction. Please allow yourself enough time to navigate these necessary but sometimes challenging upgrades.
Attend virtually by joining the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88226283180?pwd=H3U4KkbWfCi35F2fFo9s3mxtU94RGu.1
Meeting ID: 882 2628 3180
Passcode: 3YX18m
Email Jen Schak, Market Development Manager at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about attending.
The Explore Minnesota co-op with Madison Magazine will create an eight-page special section in the Dec. 2024 and May 2025 issues, as well as online at channel3000.com and madisonmagazine.com, promoting Minnesota tourism. You have the chance to be a part of the section via full, half or quarter-page ads that will be featured within custom Minnesota travel content.
Madison Magazine tells the diverse stories of Madison and its surrounding communities in ways that inform, inspire, and entertain. Many of the magazine's state and national awards demonstrate a high standard of excellence in storytelling, photography, and design. Madison Magazine reaches an audience of 272,874 across all platforms, which include local newsstands, and is delivered into the mailboxes of about 10,000 local subscribers every month, along with placement at local businesses.
Learn more about the Madison Magazine co-op.
Approaching its 77th year, the Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote our natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine an intense media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in our communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2025 Governor's Fishing Opener. This event encompasses significant involvement and has garnered massive media exposure for host communities in the past.
To submit an application as a host community for the Governor's Fishing Opener in 2025, please download the Request for Proposals and application. The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct. 18.
Please contact Nicole Lalum at (218) 316-3330 or nicole.lalum@state.mn.us with any questions or to discuss becoming a host community.
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day" and we want your events added to our calendar. To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct. 18.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us. Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Tribal Nations Tourism Grant is intended to support development and promotion as it pertains to forming or expanding sustainable tourism assets, culture, heritage, arts, agritourism and outdoor recreation for the economic benefit of the 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations in Minnesota and their communities.
Tribal Nation governments may request funding Sept. 16 through Dec. 6, 2024. Grant projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.
Please refer to the Grant Program page on the Explore Minnesota industry website for complete details.
Two national reports focused on tourism in 2024 have recently been released. They are both free to download and share a wealth of relevant information for DMOs and other industry partners.
McKinsey's State of Tourism & Hospitality 2024 highlights three noteworthy themes.
Review the full McKinsey report to learn more about traveler habits by generation and gain perspective on emerging travel trends.
Skift's State of Travel Report for 2024 contains over 400 pages of researching findings. For Minnesota's tourism and hospitality industry, there are several especially relevant report sections, including:
Review the full Skift report to better understand the current state of travel and emerging trends.
September 9, 2024 |
 |
| Mayo Clinic, Rochester / Photo Credit: Experience Rochester |
Explore Minnesota, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and Hospitality Minnesota partner three times a year to learn about Minnesota tourism and Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) industry trends. The most recent survey was open from August 19 to 30 and received 266 responses.
Explore Minnesota's five key findings focus on industry health and align to the conclusion that in summer 2024, visitors traveled and spent less compared to summer 2023. As the pandemic eased, people were excited to travel and spend money. However, visitors' travel budgets and habits have evolved as of this year. Minnesota tourism and L&H businesses are being impacted by various factors, including limited non-essential spending, uncertainty due to weather, and last-minute trip planning and operating challenges driven by inflation and labor pressures.
For additional survey results, review the full report.
Approaching its 77th year, the Governor's Fishing Opener is an event established to promote Minnesota's natural resources, uphold our fishing heritage, and shine a media spotlight on the attractions and offerings in our communities.
Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2025 Governor's Fishing Opener. This event encompasses significant involvement and has garnered massive media exposure for host communities in the past.
To submit an application as a host community for the Governor's Fishing Opener in 2025, please download the Request for Proposals and application. The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct.18.
Please contact Nicole Lalum at (218) 316-3330 or nicole.lalum@state.mn.us with inquiries.
The newly created Grant Specialist Intermediate position will develop, implement, and support grant administration efforts. Duties to include administration; interagency coordination; program, policy and guideline development; implementation; technical assistance; grant monitoring; contract management; reconciliation, reimbursement and project closeout.
Apply online, search for Grant Specialist Intermediate - Job Posting 79593. The deadline to apply is Sept. 16.
The Market Development Representative will help coordinate Market Development projects across the agency that promote Destination Development. This position supports and executes strategic initiatives that expand Minnesota's global presence in key market segments. Specifically, this position conducts a broad array of duties in support of Market Development programs; executes marketing and public relations campaigns; provides oversight of international media relations; cultivates and maintains partnerships; leads event and trade show coordination for the department; and assists with presentations, copywriting, research, and general representation of Explore Minnesota in public and industry-facing settings.
Apply online, search Market Development Representative – Travel & Tourism Rep, Job Posting 79597. The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.
Join us in person at the Explore Minnesota office or virtually for Explore Minnesota's International and Group Market Development hybrid meeting. Sept. 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Explore Minnesota will provide an overview of results from FY24 international activities, and outline our FY25 strategy, which will encompass both international and group segments. Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this meeting. A formal invitation with location and virtual meeting details will follow.
Let us know if you are interested in attending by sending an email to Jen Schak, Market Development Manager at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
Nov. 1 has been proclaimed "Minnesota Beer Day" and we want your events added to our calendar. To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to create new listings for your First Annual Minnesota Beer Day events by Friday, Oct 18.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us. Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Grant funds are still available in the FY25 Recovery Grant program. Applications will be accepted until all funds are awarded or Dec. 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. CT.
Non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are encouraged to apply now for the purpose of tourism marketing and promotion for the economic benefit of their communities.
The FY25 Recovery Grant application, webinar recording, grant guidelines and FAQ's are posted on the industry website.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of August. Highlights include Jacqueline Kehoe's inclusion of Tettegouche State Park in the Best 36 Parks in America for Thrillist and Michelle Mastro's inclusion of Minneapolis as one of the best places to take your dog on vacation for Midwest Living.
Secured media coverage for the month, garnering 32,091,735 impressions and ad value equivalency of $147,170.35:
Join the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in Albert Lea on Sept. 24 for the Entrepreneurial Bridge event. This is one of southern Minnesota's largest gatherings of rural innovators and entrepreneurs.
SMIF's tenth annual Entrepreneurial Bridge event is an integral part of building a vibrant ecosystem for our region's entrepreneurs. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and to celebrate diverse voices of innovation from across southern Minnesota, click here to view the agenda.
Destinations International and TravelAbility released the Accessibility Playbook, an end-to-end toolkit to equip destination organizations on their accessibility journey. This toolkit includes curated checklists, resources, and an actionable framework to help enact practical accessibility strategies and initiatives.
Download the Accessibility Playbook now.
September 3, 2024 |
 |
| Westside Park and Beach, Pine City / Photo Credit: Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce |
To have your fall or Halloween events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, please add them to the Explore Minnesota extranet by Friday, Sept. 6.
Log in to update and/or create new listings for your fall and Halloween events. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your fall and Halloween listings on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Join us in person at the Explore Minnesota office or virtually for Explore Minnesota's International and Group Market Development Meeting hybrid meeting on Sept. 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Explore Minnesota will provide an overview of results from FY24 international activities, and outline our FY25 strategy, which will encompass both international and group segments. Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this meeting. A formal invitation with location and virtual meeting details will follow.
Let us know if you are interested in attending by sending an email to Jen Schak, Market Development Manager at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
The newly created Grant Specialist Intermediate position will develop, implement, and support grant administration efforts. Duties to include administration; interagency coordination; program, policy, and guideline development; implementation; technical assistance; grant monitoring; contract management; reconciliation, reimbursement and project closeout.
This position exists to serve as an expert on effective and equitable grants management and ensure agency staff comply with the Department of Administration's Office of Grants Management (OGM) and the agency's policies and procedures and provide technical expertise and guidance to agency staff on grant Requests for Proposals, contract drafting and overall grant management and administration of agency grants.
To apply online, search for Grant Specialist Intermediate - Job Posting 79593. The deadline for applications is Sept. 16.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation to Explore Minnesota staff about what's new and newsworthy in their destination.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 20 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Are you an events professional or do you have questions about how the festival and event industry is evolving? Let's explore the answers together through the University of Minnesota Tourism Center's festival and event management online course.
Each week of the course focuses on an important part of festival and event management and is taught by a professional with expertise and experience in the topic they are teaching. Throughout the course, you will also get to develop a business plan tailored to your event, laying out the roadmap for your event to be agile and resilient.
Register by Sept. 13, and you will get $150 off, equivalent of 25% off, the regular registration fee. The Festival and Event Management online course will start on Monday, Sept. 23.
The MACVB 2024 Annual Meeting will be held Oct. 2-4 in La Crescent. The MACVB Education Committee has put together a fantastic agenda to hone your skills, get inspired, and elevate your leadership.
Registration rates vary:
View the working agenda and register.
The 2024 CenStates TTRA Chapter Conference is happening in Sioux City, Iowa on Oct. 9-11.
The agenda is jam packed with ground-breaking sessions that will help elevate your tourism research. Networking sessions with industry leaders and vendors for participants to share ideas and discuss challenges. Discover the potential for your tourism business and learn how to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.
August 26, 2024 |
 |
| Influencers Ben and Claire enjoy corn at the Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
Explore Minnesota is conducting a Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota to gain insight into real-time business conditions. Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to complete this survey by end of day Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Survey findings help to shape how Explore Minnesota promotes the state, engages with the media, and provides the industry with information and programming. The Federal Reserve is interested in understanding real-time business conditions and Hospitality Minnesota is interested in understanding economic conditions to advocate for policies. Quarterly business conditions surveys consist of mostly repeat questions, helping us track change over time. Consistent survey participation is critical for telling the evolving story of the industry recovery. In early September, we will share a survey findings summary in Industry News.
To have your fall or Halloween events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, please add them to the Explore Minnesota extranet by Friday, Sept. 6.
Log in to update and/or create new listings for your fall and Halloween events. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your fall and Halloween listings on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Join us in person at the Explore Minnesota office or virtually for Explore Minnesota's International and Group Market Development Meeting hybrid meeting on Sept. 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Explore Minnesota will provide an overview of results from FY24 international activities and outline our FY25 strategy, which will encompass both international and group segments. Mark your calendars; you won't want to miss this meeting. A formal invitation with location and virtual meeting details will follow.
Let us know if you are interested in attending by sending an email to Market Development Manager Jen Schak at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
July was an encouraging month for Minnesota accommodations with all hotel performance metrics increasing year over year (YoY).
At the state level, monthly hotel occupancy increased 3% YoY to 68.6%, average daily rate (ADR) increased 5.5% YoY to $147.30, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 8.7% YoY to $101.10. For reference in July the total U.S. average occupancy was 68.6%, ADR was $161.69, and RevPAR was $111.18.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, July hotel occupancy was up 7% YoY to 71.6%, ADR was up 8.2% YoY to $147.12, and RevPAR was up 15.8% YoY to $105.40. In July, the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 68.8%, ADR was $161.69, and RevPAR was $111.18.
The UMN Tourism Center Annual Virtual Research Showcase will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. CST. Community members and colleagues from across industry sectors are invited to learn about the latest research findings and emerging trends through a fast-paced PechaKucha style virtual convening.
This online event will feature work by Tourism Center staff, colleagues, collaborators, and partners. This year, presentations include economic impact projects, outdoor recreation work, and mobile analytics. Attendees can expect an engaging opportunity to learn from research in the field, interact with presenters in breakout rooms, and walk away with new ideas to apply in your organization and community.
UMN Extension Community Development educator Ellen Wolter is launching a new podcast exploring the interdependent relationship between rural and urban spaces and why this complex and necessary relationship matters.
Listen to new episodes every Wednesday starting Aug. 28.
In an early August national traveler sentiment survey conducted by Longwoods International, 91% of leisure travelers reported having leisure travel plans in the next six months, the lowest level for the year to date. Additionally, the percentage of travelers saying that inflation would greatly impact their decision to travel increased 6% month over month to 30%, the highest level in 2024.
According to Longwoods, "The impact of inflation and higher prices on travel remains stubbornly elevated. The fact that inflation is a political issue in this election year may be as much as factor in traveler perceptions on this topic as the actual inflation data."
This survey wave posed questions about the level of service provided by tourism and hospitality businesses on a recent trip. The majority of responders (62%) said they received the same service level as pre-pandemic; 17% received a higher level of service, and 22% received a lower level of service.
This survey round also included questions about the use of ChatGPT for trip planning and the impact of severe weather events. In the last six months 19% have used ChatGPT or similar AI software to plan a trip, and for their next trip 34% are very or somewhat likely to use this tool. In the past year 39% have changed their leisure travel plans due to extreme weather events such as heat, flooding or hurricanes. Additionally, for 40% the likelihood of extreme weather events somewhat or greatly impacts their decision to travel to a specific destination.
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 88.
The 2024 CenStates TTRA Chapter Conference is happening in Sioux City, Iowa on Oct. 9-11. The agenda is jam packed with ground-breaking sessions that will help elevate your tourism research. Networking sessions with industry leaders and vendors for participants to share ideas and discuss challenges. Discover the potential for your tourism business and learn how to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.
Early bird registration rates end Aug. 31, register now.
August 19, 2024 |
 |
| Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd / Photo Credit: Andrew Parks |
Explore Minnesota is conducting a Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota to gain insight into real time business conditions. Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to take this survey by end of day Tues. Aug. 27.
Survey findings help to shape how Explore Minnesota promotes the state, engages with the media and provides the industry with information and programming. The Federal Reserve is interested in understanding real time business conditions and Hospitality Minnesota is interested in understanding economic conditions to advocate for policies. Quarterly business conditions surveys consist of mostly repeat questions, helping us track change over time. Consistent survey participation is critical for telling the evolving story of the industry recovery. In early Sept. we will share a survey findings summary in Industry News.
Explore Minnesota launched its Fall niche campaigns on Aug. 12, which targets hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers. These national niche campaigns not only highlight these activities, but also the amazing Minnesota fall foliage and other ways to spend the season in the state.
Campaign creative features many areas within the state, and the following video assets highlight Frontenac and Interstate State Parks for hiking and Giants Ridge Recreation Area for mountain biking:
Hiking:
Mountain Biking:
Other campaign mediums include a content partnership, video, display, social and email ads with Outside, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit ads, Rich media and In-app ads with Fat Map and All Trails and Connected and Programmatic TV.
Space reservation for advertising in the 2025 State Travel Guide is open now through Aug. 26.
Explore Minnesota's State Travel Guide reaches a very qualified audience of consumers interested in planning trips in Minnesota. It is the primary annual publication distributed by Explore Minnesota and sent in response to inquiries generated by our advertising campaigns. The guide is distributed at dozens of visitor centers across the state and promoted through our website, external banner ads, e-mail blasts, and other special promotions.
Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales on behalf of Explore Minnesota's 2025 Travel Guide publication. Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Explore Minnesota is hiring a Tourism Regional Coordinator and a Customer Service Specialist.
The Tourism Regional Coordinator - Northwest & Central Industry Relations Representative position provides regional tourism industry outreach for the service area defined as Northwest and Central regions by Explore Minnesota. Specifically, this position conducts a broad array of duties in support of agency-specific programs; conducts a proactive schedule of outreach to the industry through meetings and contacts with communities and businesses; provides oversight of grant programs; and assists with special events, task forces, marketing programs, presentations, and general representation of Explore Minnesota in public and industry-facing settings.
To learn more and apply online, search for Northwest & Central Industry Relations Representative, Job ID 79101. The deadline to apply is Aug. 26.
The Customer Service Specialist -Travel Counselor – Albert Lea position exists to provide travel information services at Albert Lea Welcome Center, phone calls and emails. This position is a fun, fast paced, non-traditional office setting that engages with visitors and promotes Minnesota travel and tourism opportunities to people from all over the world. Whether face to face, on-line, or on the telephone, our goal is to provide Minnesota tourism information in an easy-to-use format for expanding visitor itineraries.
To learn more and apply online, search for Customer Service Specialist -Travel Counselor, Job ID 79219. The deadline to apply is Aug. 26.
Sponsored video cards are the fastest growing video ad format. Travel Spike's Video Card product provides an engaging user experience that combines branded video content with custom promotional messages to drive new customers and encourage engagement. Ads are delivered in a 100% travel environment through pre-roll and mid-roll placements on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Purchased on a cost-per-completed-view (CPCV) model, charges only occur when an ad placement is viewed by the consumer for the duration of the :15s or :30s video. These positions are exclusive to Travel Spike with their premium travel publishers, to 100% travel intenders along with geo and behavioral targeting capabilities.
Learn more the new Video Card co-op.
To have your fall or Halloween events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, please add them to the Explore Minnesota extranet by Friday, Sept. 5.
Log in to update and/or create new listings for your fall and Halloween events. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your fall and Halloween listings on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Join us in person at the Explore Minnesota office or virtually for Explore Minnesota's International and Group Market Development Meeting hybrid meeting, Sept. 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Explore Minnesota will provide an overview of results from FY24 international activities, and outline our FY25 strategy, which will encompass both international and group segments. Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this meeting. A formal invitation with location and virtual meeting details will follow.
Let us know if you are interested in attending by sending an email to Jen Schak, Market Development Manager at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us.
Northwestern Sports Properties is again providing Explore Minnesota an opportunity to advertise to the Northwestern University sports fans/audience during the 2024-2025 season. The Northwestern Wildcats are the athletic teams representing Northwestern University, based near Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. They are a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and compete against the Minnesota Gophers in various sports throughout the season. Goals include building the Explore Minnesota newsletter database while creating awareness, delivering measurable brand impressions, and inspiring fans to visit.
The sponsorship includes promotional assets during all Northwestern vs. Minnesota home and away games, including TV-visible LED and scoreboard signage, radio spots, "Out of Town Scores" radio feature sponsorship, live reads, digital program ads, banner ads, and travel guide distribution. With football season underway, the Wildcats will play their first five home games inside the Lanny and Sharon Martin Lakeside Facility and their final two in Nov. at Wrigley Field, where Explore Minnesota will have TV-visible signage. A social sweepstakes campaign will run early next year, with a grand prize of four tickets to a Gophers vs. Wildcats match-up basketball game in Minnesota, with lodging and dining included.
If you have any questions about the Northwestern Athletics partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
August 12, 2024 |
 |
| Voyageurs National Park / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
As a key member of Minnesota's travel community, your insights and experiences with Explore Minnesota's Industry Relations, Welcome Centers/Visitor Services and Market Development programs are valued.
We invite you to participate in a brief stakeholder survey to help us understand your needs and expectations more deeply, ensuring we continue to provide impactful and relevant programs.
We estimate the survey to take approximately 10 minutes to complete and request that only ONE survey is completed per organization.
Please respond to the Explore Minnesota Destination Development survey by end of the day, Wednesday, Aug. 14.
If you have any questions about this survey, please reach out to Beth Helle, Deputy Director of Destination Development at beth.helle@state.mn.us.
Explore Minnesota is hiring a Tourism Regional Coordinator and a Customer Service Specialist.
The Tourism Regional Coord - Northwest & Central Industry Relations Representative position provides regional tourism industry outreach for the service area defined as Northwest and Central regions by Explore Minnesota. Specifically, this position conducts a broad array of duties in support of agency-specific programs; conducts a proactive schedule of outreach to the industry through meetings and contacts with communities and businesses; provides oversight of grant programs; and assists with special events, task forces, marketing programs, presentations, and general representation of Explore Minnesota in public and industry-facing settings.
To learn more and apply online, search for Northwest & Central Industry Relations Representative, Job ID 79101. The deadline to apply is Aug. 26.
The Customer Service Specialist -Travel Counselor – Albert Lea position exists to provide travel information services. If you love interacting with new people and enjoy meeting world travelers, consider a new career at Explore Minnesota. This position is a fun, fast paced, non-traditional office setting that engages with visitors and promotes Minnesota travel and tourism opportunities to people from all over the world that stop in the Albert Lea Welcome Center. Whether face to face, on-line, or on the telephone, our goal is to provide Minnesota tourism information in an easy-to-use format for expanding visitor itineraries.
To learn more and apply online, search for Customer Service Specialist -Travel Counselor, Job ID 79219. The deadline to apply is Aug. 26.
To have your fall or Halloween events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, please add them to the Explore Minnesota extranet by Friday, Sept. 6.
Log in to update and/or create new listings for your fall and Halloween events. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your fall and Halloween listings on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by Aug. 15. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of July. Highlights include Michele Herrman's inclusion of the Minnesota State Fair in Time Out's "Best State Fairs Across the U.S." and Ashlea Halpern's "Discovering the Joy of Lake Life" in Conde Nast Traveler.
Secured media coverage for the month, garnering 458,913,752 impressions and ad value equivalency of $318,771.87:
Space reservation for advertising in the 2025 State Travel Guide is open now through Aug. 26.
Explore Minnesota's State Travel Guide reaches a very qualified audience of consumers interested in planning trips in Minnesota. It is the primary annual publication distributed by Explore Minnesota and sent in response to inquiries generated by our advertising campaigns. The guide is distributed at dozens of visitor centers across the state and promoted through our website, external banner ads, e-mail blasts, and other special promotions.
Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales on behalf of Explore Minnesota's 2025 Travel Guide publication. Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Do you have questions about how the festival and event industry is evolving? Let's explore the answers together through the UofM Tourism Center's festival and event management online course.
Each week of the course focuses on an important part of festival and event management and is taught by a professional with expertise and experience in the topic they are teaching. Throughout the course, you will also get to develop a business plan tailored to your event, laying out the roadmap for your event to be agile and resilient.
Register by Sept. 13, and you will get $150 off, equivalent of 25% off, the regular registration fee. The Festival and Event Management online course will start on Monday, Sept. 23.
The Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) unites the chief executives from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec and Wisconsin.
GSGP is now accepting applications for an employee, independent contractor or agency who will serve as a full-time tourism director who would help lead GSGP's tourism programs, including GLUSA and CTGL.
All proposals must be submitted by email to gsgp@gsgp.org with the words "Tourism Director" in the subject line. This position will close on Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. CST.
August 5, 2024 |
 |
| Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort, Lake of the Woods / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
As a key member of Minnesota's travel community, your insights and experiences with Explore Minnesota's Industry Relations, Welcome Centers/Visitor Services and Market Development programs are valued.
We invite you to participate in a brief stakeholder survey to help us understand your needs and expectations more deeply, ensuring we continue to provide impactful and relevant programs.
We estimate the survey to take approximately 10 minutes to complete and request that only ONE survey is completed per organization.
Please respond to the Explore Minnesota Destination Development survey by the end of the day on Friday, Aug. 9.
If you have any questions about this survey, please reach out to Beth Helle, Deputy Director of Destination Development at beth.helle@state.mn.us.
To have your fall or Halloween events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, please add them to the Explore Minnesota extranet by Friday, Sept. 5.
Log in to update and/or create new listings for your fall and Halloween events. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood of your event being featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
Update your fall and Halloween listings on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by Aug. 15. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
Hawkeye Sports Properties, the dedicated LEARFIELD team representing the University of Iowa Athletics based in Iowa City, IA, is providing Explore Minnesota with a new partnership opportunity to advertise to the University's sports fans/audience during the 2024-2025 season. Goals include building the Explore Minnesota newsletter database while creating awareness, delivering measurable brand impressions, and inspiring fans to explore Minnesota.
The sponsorship package includes two digital and social engagement promotions during the football and basketball seasons, including a sweepstakes campaign, each hosted on hawkeyesports.com and promoted via social media posts and digital ads on the Fanbase platform and Hawk Talk Weekly newsletter. The Gameday Getaway Sweepstakes football promotion is running through Aug. 31, providing fans a chance to win four tickets to the Sept. 21 Hawkeyes vs. Gopher football game in Minnesota, including lodging and dining. Additional branding assets include 30-second radio spots and live radio features during the football and men's basketball seasons on Hawkeye Radio Network, and TV-visible in-venue goal-arm signage at the men's basketball home games.
The Iowa Hawkeyes participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are members of the Big Ten Conference. They compete against the Minnesota Gophers in various sports throughout the season.
If you have questions about the Hawkeye Sports Properties partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
Space reservation for advertising in the 2025 State Travel Guide is open now through Aug. 26.
Explore Minnesota's State Travel Guide reaches a very qualified audience of consumers interested in planning trips in Minnesota. It is the primary annual publication distributed by Explore Minnesota and sent in response to inquiries generated by our advertising campaigns. The guide is distributed at dozens of visitor centers across the state and promoted through our website, external banner ads, e-mail blasts, and other special promotions.
Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales on behalf of Explore Minnesota's 2025 Travel Guide publication. Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation to Explore Minnesota staff about what's new and newsworthy in their destination.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 20 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Longwoods International and research partners recently released a report about changing sentiment towards sporting events across the U.S. The findings provide insights and strategies to position sporting events as key community and tourism assets.
Since 2020, public perception of all national sporting events has increased year-to-year. The most recent wave of research data was collected in 2023 through a survey of a representative sample of 4,000 U.S. adults. Participants were asked about their level of support for hosting, attending, participating in, and/or watching sporting events including outdoor, youth, amateur, collegiate and professional events. Key findings include:
To learn more about U.S. regional differences, generational trends and turning insights into action review the free report.
Join the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in Albert Lea on Sept. 24 for the Entrepreneurial Bridge event. This is one of southern Minnesota's largest gatherings of rural innovators and entrepreneurs.
SMIF's tenth annual Entrepreneurial Bridge event is an integral part of building a vibrant ecosystem for our region's entrepreneurs. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and to celebrate diverse voices of innovation from across southern Minnesota, click here to view the agenda.
July 29, 2024 |
 |
| Mural of Anglers, Baudette / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
Explore Minnesota held the inaugural meeting of its Explore Minnesota for Business Council on June 26. The council consists of 14 voting members from economic development, talent acquisition, higher education, and business sectors across the state. They are working to advise Explore Minnesota on marketing and promotional efforts related to overall livability, workforce, and economic opportunity in Minnesota. More information about the council and a recording of the initial meeting are available on the Explore Minnesota Industry website.
In addition, the Council is still seeking nominations for four members:
If you are interested, or know someone who would be a good candidate, more information and application information can be found here apply online.
Shrpa connects destinations with regional creators to facilitate collaboration and deliver authentic and diverse content. As the premier creator platform built specifically for the travel industry, destinations throughout the nation trust Shrpa as a key component of their User Generated Content (UGC) strategies. Each co-op package provides four Creator Visits that will deliver a total of ~400 photos/short-form videos.
Learn more about Shrpa Content Creation co-op.
U.S. Travel's IPW, the leading United States' international inbound travel trade show, took place May 4-7 in Los Angeles. As an exhibitor, Explore Minnesota conducted 115 appointments with members of the media, tour operators, travel marketing and distribution companies from around the world.
Leads (client profiles and meeting notes) are available to the Minnesota industry and are available to download now.
Please contact Jen Schak, Market Development Manager at jennifer.schak@state.mn.us with questions about this show or to learn how your business or community can be involved in attracting international visitation.
We know you're probably already familiar with our official Explore Minnesota Travel Guide, but quantities can be made available for guests and visitors at your location. This statewide publication is great for racks in a lobby or any high traffic areas or service areas.
Email us and we'd love to send you a box, or more. Each box contains 40 guides. Contact us via email explore@state.mn.us or call 888-847-4866 to place a bulk order.
June was a good month for Minnesota accommodations with most hotel performance metrics increasing year over year (YoY)!
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy decreased -.4% YoY to 67.2%, average daily rate (ADR) increased 3.1% YoY to $145.01 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 2.7% YoY to $97.43. For reference, in June the total U.S. average occupancy was 69.6%, ADR was $161.30 and RevPAR was $112.33.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, June hotel occupancy was up 3% YoY to 71.5%, ADR was up 2.1% YoY to $146.09 and RevPAR was up 2.1% YoY to $104.47. For reference, in June the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 74.7%, ADR was $187.70 and RevPAR was $140.23.
The UMN Tourism Center Annual Virtual Research Showcase will take place via Zoom on Wed., Sept. 4 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. CST. Colleagues from across industry sectors and community members are invited to learn about latest research findings, emerging trends, etc. through a fast-paced PechaKucha style virtual convening.
This online event will feature work by Tourism Center staff, colleagues, collaborators, and partners. This year, presentations include economic impact projects, outdoor recreation work, and mobile analytics. Attendees can expect an engaging opportunity to learn from research in the field, interact with presenters in breakout rooms, and walk away with new ideas to apply in your organization and community.
In the national survey wave conducted in July by Longwoods International, 92% of leisure travelers reported having travel plans in the next six months, a 2% decrease from the prior month. Additionally, the percentage of travelers saying that concerns about their personal financial situation would greatly impact their decision to travel increased 5% month over month to 28%.
This survey wave of questions dove into the impact of political reputation on leisure travel decisions. When asked how a destination's reputation as being blue/Democratic or red/Republican influences your decision to travel there, most (43%) said that political reputation does not impact their decision. Another 23% said that political reputation is an influence but not the main decision factor. Only 14% said they avoid traveling to destinations with a certain political reputation.
This survey round also included questions about diversity and inclusion. Survey respondents were asked if they actively seek this type of information when selecting a travel destination. Most (52%) reported not considering diversity and inclusion in their selection process. Another 29% consider relevant information but don't seek it out. Finally, 19% actively look for diversity and inclusion information during trip planning.
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 87.
The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is accepting nominations for the 39th Annual Governor's International Trade Awards. Traditionally, these prestigious awards are given out each year to honor Minnesota companies that have excelled in the international marketplace. Award recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony to be scheduled toward the end of this year.
The following four award categories are open for nominations for Minnesota companies that successfully export goods and services:
Any Minnesota-based company that matches one of the award categories and has not received the award in the last ten years is eligible to apply.
Complete the application form with the required supporting narrative and submit to Jackie Geiger by email at jackie.geiger@state.mn.us no later than Aug. 2. Self-nominations or nominations by business colleagues will be accepted, and all submitted information will remain confidential.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns, or Native Nations, with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF's 20-county region are eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and tribal government are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 for eligible projects will be considered.
Applications are due to SMIF by Aug. 26 with awardees notified by Oct. 15. For the application and guidelines, visit www.smifoundation.org/smalltowngrant.
For questions, contact Sarah Scheffert, community vitality specialist, at 507-214-7015 or sarahs@smifoundation.org.
July 22, 2024 |
 |
| Lake George, St. Cloud / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The Explore Minnesota Star of the North campaign is a hit! The Spring/Summer campaign launched this past March and ended June 30th, generating a whopping 366 million ad impressions, as well as more than 3.8 million sessions and contributing to an impressive 5.6 million exploreminnesota.com pageviews during the same timeframe.
The unscripted, documentary-style campaign follows travelers new to Minnesota as they are surprised and delighted by the state and the culture they encounter, highlighting destinations, restaurants, and activities that capture its essence and character. A major portion of the campaign featured the promotion of golfing, paddling, and fishing, and several content partnerships were placed in well-known media outlets such as Outdoor Life, Men's Journal, and Paddling Magazine, ensuring Minnesota's attractions were top of mind for these niche audiences.
So far, the campaign consistently exceeds industry benchmarks, and our research indicates a statistically significant positive results across the board, with Minnesota favorability jumping about 7% for our regional campaigns. Awareness, ad recall, consideration, and purchase intent also all increased significantly across regional and national niche campaigns.
What's next? Building on this success, we will be launching new niche campaigns for fall, beginning in mid-August, that highlight hiking and mountain biking, and this winter be on the lookout for niche campaigns that highlight performance arts and winter sports. We'll also be launching two additional longform videos and new ad spots featuring a winter wellness trip from Nisswa to the Minneapolis-St. Paul, and another video highlighting visitors' experiences from the metro to attractions in southern Minnesota, including Winona where they participated in the Winona Ice Festival. Stay tuned for more.
Read more about Explore Minnesota's Spring/Summer campaigns.
Explore Minnesota continues its partnership with the St. Paul Saints for their 32nd season of baseball as they showcase the Triple-AAA talent pool of the Minnesota Twins and continue the innovative, irreverent fun at CHS Field in Lowertown, Saint Paul.
The Club is providing Explore Minnesota with a partnership opportunity that includes the Explore Minnesota Wednesdays Sponsorship, featuring home plate signage, Minnesota Travel Guide distribution, radio broadcasting, TV/Stream advertising, in-game videoboard ads, website banner ads, social promotions, MN Wednesday Puzzlers highlighting Minnesota destinations and attractions, the opportunity to throw out the first pitch and a third-inning radio interview on KFAN Plus 96.7 FM and a 2-week sweepstakes running July 15 – 28 featuring a Saints VIP Experience that includes lodging and dining.
If you have any questions about the St. Paul Saints partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Explore Minnesota's Communications Manager throws the first pitch
We know you're already familiar with our official Explore Minnesota Travel Guide, but have you thought about having a supply available for guests or visitors at your location? They are great for publication racks in a lobby or any high traffic areas. What about having them available for hotel guests or in any office or service shop with a waiting room?
Email us and we'd love to send you a box, or more. There are 40 guides per box. Contact us via email explore@state.mn.us or call 888-847-4866 to place a bulk order.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by August 15, 2024. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
Are you an events professional or do you have questions about how the festival and event industry is evolving? Let's explore the answers together through the University of Minnesota Tourism Center's festival and event management online course.
Each week of the course focuses on an important part of festival and event management and is taught by a professional with expertise and experience in the topic they are teaching. Throughout the course, you will also get to develop a business plan tailored to your event, laying out the roadmap for your event to be agile and resilient.
Register by Sept. 13, and you will get $150 off, equivalent of 25% off, the regular registration fee. The Festival and Event Management online course will start on Monday, Sept. 23.
U.S. Travel's ESTO will be held Aug. 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio – and is nearly sold out. ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) is the leading annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals featuring four days of dynamic, hands-on learning and content, curated by your industry peers.
Designed to provide you with the tools and insights to challenge you creatively, ESTO has something for destination marketing professionals of all levels.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grant program. Towns, or Native Nations, with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF's 20-county region are eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state, federal and tribal government are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 for eligible projects will be considered.
The Small Town Grant program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way a community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of the community. Proposals to launch new projects or expand existing initiatives will be considered.
Applications are due to SMIF by Aug. 26 with awardees notified by Oct. 15.
For the application and guidelines, visit www.smifoundation.org/smalltowngrant. For questions, contact Sarah Scheffert, community vitality specialist, at 507-214-7015 or sarahs@smifoundation.org.
July 15, 2024 |
 |
| Houseboat in Voyageurs National Park / Photo Credit: Mary Mathis |
Applications for the FY25 Tourism Recovery Grant are now open. The FY25 Tourism Recovery Grant webinar recording, grant guidelines, FAQ's and application are posted on the industry website.
The 2025 Tourism Recovery Grant program - now in its second and final year of the biennium funding - is funded and administered by Explore Minnesota for the purpose of providing funds to individual and collaborative non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and other organizations for the purpose of tourism marketing and promotion for the economic benefit of their communities.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Explore Minnesota is hiring a Tribal Liaison to represent the agency's tourism, livability and economic development marketing programs throughout Tribal Communities in Minnesota.
The Liaison will develop and support new programs to develop or increase tourism in Tribal Nations and existing marketing efforts by providing insight and background on the culture and history of Indian Country in Minnesota.
The position will act as a strategic lead for Indian Affairs in the Executive Director's office.
Learn more and apply online, search for Job ID 77582 Tribal Liaison – SPA Coord. The deadline to apply is July 22.
With nearly 2 billion unique users visiting YouTube each month, video ads offer an extraordinary opportunity to reach large audiences. This Explore Minnesota video marketing co-op offers you the ability to include YouTube in your marketing mix and diversify your reach across platforms. Strike Social is offering the following options as a co-op this year:
Option #1: Skippable TrueView In-Stream, sold on a cost-per-completed view model (CPV), so there are only charges when the viewer watches the entire video if less than 30 seconds or for a full 30 seconds if the viewer watches :30+ seconds. This option is ideal to drive views. Use skippable in-stream ads when you have video content you'd like to promote before, during, or after other videos on YouTube. What you'll need: a horizontal (1280 x 720) video 15 seconds or longer.
Option #2: Non-skippable In-Stream which is sold on a cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) model. Since it is non-skippable users can't skip it and will view your whole message. This option is designed for cost-effective reach and awareness and can deliver on YouTube TV as well. What you'll need: a 6-second or 15-second horizontal (1280 x 720) video.
Option #3: Video View Campaign (VVC) which includes Skippable In-stream, In-feed & YouTube Shorts and is sold on a cost-per-completed view model (CPCV), so there are only charges when the viewer watches the entire video if less than 30 seconds or for a full 30 seconds if :30+ seconds. This option is YouTube's newest ad unit and runs across more parts of the YouTube supply. An ideal option to get the most views across all of YouTube's video formats, including YouTube Shorts. What you'll need: a horizontal (1280 x 720) video 15 seconds or longer & a vertical (720 x 1280) video 15 seconds-60 seconds long.
For questions and more information, contact Derek Ramthun, derek.ramthun@state.mn.us or 612-231-3889.
Learn more about Strike Social video co-op.
In partnership with eSubstance – Ink Global, Explore Minnesota recently ran advertising within Hemispheres Magazine, providing excellent reach and engagement with travel enthusiasts flying with United Airlines. Goals included inspiring a national audience to plan and take a trip to Minnesota and increasing website traffic to ExploreMinnesota.com, travel guide orders, and social accounts.
The deeply discounted ad space provided excellent added value, extending Explore Minnesota's presence nationally in the May 2024 issue with a Star of the North full-page ad and the July 2024 issue with a 2-page advertorial "What to See, Eat and Do, on a Road Trip." eSubstance – Ink Global will re-run the 2-page July advertorial at no cost in the August 2024 issue providing Explore Minnesota with an in-kind value of $115,608. The exposure and timing are beneficial during high travel seasons and demand.
Hemispheres is the only in-flight magazine in the United States. It is distributed to United Airlines' in-flight passengers and at their VIP Clubs in the U.S. 500,000 copies are published with an estimated 15 million monthly readers. United Airlines has an average of 4,500 daily flights. In recent research, 87.7% of flyers engaged with/read the magazine.
If you have questions about the eSubstance partnership, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
Minnesota's Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota, is seeking potential speakers for the Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. To be considered as a speaker, you must begin the process by submitting our speaker form. We are only accepting applications for In-Person Keynotes and Breakout Presentations at this time.
Submit now through this online speaker form.
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center (Giants) is hiring an Executive Director. Giants of the Earth Heritage Center is a 100+ member-based organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the people of Norwegian Ridge, to assist in discovering genealogy and to educate succeeding generations in the language and culture of former days. In addition, we document current history as it unfolds. Giants of the Earth Heritage Center in Spring Grove has become a destination for visitors. In collaboration with our local not-for-profit community organizations, Giants serves as a catalyst to promote the area as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Interested applicants should send all documents via email to giantsheritage@gmail.com with subject line Attn: Executive Director Search Committee Giants. Deadline to apply is Sept. 15.
Join Field Trip Adventures on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the twelfth annual MN Field Trip Expo at the CHS Field in St. Paul.
If you plan field trips, activities, fundraising and entertainment throughout the year this show will be valuable for you. The activity ideas they present will apply to all age groups, from youth & students to active adults & seniors.
The Great Lakes Outdoor Summit welcomes outdoor recreation advocates, enthusiasts, businesses, and adventurers from throughout the Midwest to interact and learn from each other in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment on Oct. 24-26 in Duluth.
Curated by the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA), this year's Summit will include 12 informational sessions ranging from environmental stewardship, inclusivity, non-profit capacity building, and more! Outdoor activities and field trips will accompany the Summit, allowing attendees to experience all that Duluth has to offer.
July 8, 2024 |
 |
| Exterior of Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall / Photo Credit: Joseph Scheller |
Eligible organizations may submit an application to request grant funding beginning this week on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST.
The 2025 Tourism Recovery Grant program - now in its second and final year of the biennium funding - is funded and administered by Explore Minnesota for the purpose of providing funds to individual and collaborative non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and other organizations for the purpose of tourism marketing and promotion for the economic benefit of their communities.
The FY25 Tourism Recovery Grant webinar recording, grant guidelines, FAQ's and application are now posted on the industry website.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Explore Minnesota is hiring a Tribal Liaison to represent the agency's tourism, livability and economic development marketing programs throughout Tribal Communities in Minnesota.
The Liaison will develop and support new programs to develop or increase tourism in Tribal Nations and existing marketing efforts by providing insight and background on the culture and history of Indian Country in Minnesota.
The position will act as a strategic lead for Indian Affairs in the Executive Director's office.
Learn more and apply online, search for Job ID 77582 Tribal Liaison – SPA Coord. The deadline to apply is July 22.
If you love interacting with new people and enjoy meeting travelers from around the world, consider a new career at Explore Minnesota. This position is fun, fast paced, and based in a non-traditional office setting that engages with visitors and promotes Minnesota travel and tourism opportunities at the Albert Lea Welcome Center. Whether face to face, online, or by phone, our goal is to provide Minnesota tourism information in an easy-to-use format to visitors and potential visitors.
This is a perfect role for an outgoing, friendly, energetic person who enjoys talking with people. This position exists to provide travel information services and to promote travel in Minnesota to the public and potential visitors to benefit the state's economy.
This position is part-time, benefit eligible and will be required to work some Holidays.
Learn more and apply online, search for the posting Job ID 78095 CSS - Welcome Center Counselor - Albert Lea. The deadline to apply is July 9.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation to Explore Minnesota staff about what's new and newsworthy in their destination.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 20 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by August 15, 2024. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
New co-op programs are now available, including digital and social, print, tv and video co-ops and more being added throughout the summer. Subscribe to the Co-op Update e-newsletter for a monthly reminder of new co-ops, ad deadlines, and more.
As a reminder, co-ops are sold to you directly by the media vendor on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in availability.
For questions and more information, contact Derek Ramthun, derek.ramthun@state.mn.us or 612-231-3889.
Space reservation for advertising in the 2025 State Travel Guide is open now through Aug. 26.
Explore Minnesota's State Travel Guide reaches a very qualified audience of consumers interested in planning trips in Minnesota. It is the primary annual publication distributed by Explore Minnesota and sent in response to inquiries generated by our advertising campaigns. The guide is distributed at dozens of visitor centers across the state and promoted through our website, external banner ads, e-mail blasts, and other special promotions.
The 2024 Travel Guide was produced by Miles Partnership and Explore Minnesota. It is packed with inspirational travel content, providing Minnesota tourism partners with unparalleled access to highly qualified visitors who use the guide to plan their trips and make decisions about what to see and do once they're in the state.
Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales on behalf of Explore Minnesota's 2024 Travel Guide publication. Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have launched a new podcast: Explore Minnesota More. In the podcast, we tell the stories of the benefits of Minnesota outdoors through the stories of the people, places, and businesses that make up Minnesota's thriving outdoor recreation ecosystem.
Tune in every other Thursday to Explore Minnesota More podcast, and if you have any ideas for subjects we should consider covering, please email podcast ideas to Randolph Briley, Deputy Director of Outdoor Recreation, randolph.briley@state.mn.us.
Scenic America invites photographers of all levels to participate in our 2024 America the Beautiful Photo Contest. They are asking for high-resolution, digital images of places around America that represent the beauty and scenic character of our country. Images should represent views of America that are clearly publicly accessible. Each participant may submit up to 5 entries for consideration.
Photographers of all level and experience are encouraged to submit up to five scenic photos beginning July 1 until Aug. 5. A public vote for 'People's Choice' will be held from Aug. 12 through Sept.1. All winners will be announced no later than Sept.6. Winners will receive mention on the Scenic America website, in official Scenic America media, promotional, and marketing materials, publications, and a special gift.
For more information and to read official contest rules and legal, click here.
July 1, 2024 |
 |
| 2015 Aquatennial / Photo Credit: Dusty Hoskovec |
The Saint Paul Saints baseball team has provided a special ticket offer to our industry partners, staff, and their families. The offer includes a reserved outfield ticket for the upcoming Wednesday night game and a free Saints hat in support of the club's "Explore Minnesota Wednesday" sponsorship.
A block of reserved seats is available for the July 3 game at 6:07 p.m. at the CHS Field against the Gwinnett Stripers with a special guest appearance by Chris Morgan, Communications Manager at Explore Minnesota. Chris will throw the first pitch to promote Minnesota tourism and be interviewed during the third inning on KFAN Plus Radio FM 96.7. There will be a post-game food trucks and Super Fireworks.
To check out this offer and reserve your seats for the July 3 game, go to saints-groups.com, using the password emt2024 (case-sensitive and subject to availability). Purchase tickets before Wednesday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. and pick up your hat at Fan Services behind Section 105.
If you have questions about the St. Paul Saints special ticket offer, please contact Glori Woolley at glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
The 2025 Tourism Recovery Grant program, now in its second and final year of biennial funding, is funded and administered by Explore Minnesota. It aims to provide funds to individual and collaborative non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and other organizations for tourism marketing and promotion, in order to benefit their communities economically.
The FY25 Tourism Recovery Grant webinar recording, grant guidelines, FAQ's and application are now posted on the industry website.
Eligible organizations may submit an application to request grant funding beginning July 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
There are 12 new co-op programs available today, with more being added throughout the summer. Subscribe to the Co-op Update e-newsletter for a monthly reminder of new co-ops, ad deadlines, and more.
As a reminder, co-ops are sold direct by the media vendor to you on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in availability.
For questions and more information, contact Derek Ramthun, derek.ramthun@state.mn.us or 612-231-3889.
In partnership with USA TODAY, Explore Minnesota ran a full-page Star of the North campaign ad in the 2024 GO ESCAPE Summer Travel Guide Special Edition published in June. The special edition publication is the ultimate resource as Americans are planning their next great summer adventure.
The issue is available on newsstands throughout the United States with 500,000 printed copies distributed. It is available for digital viewing on usatoday.com/travel, which receives millions of daily viewers for its travel-related stories, videos, graphics, and photo galleries. Additionally, over 10 million digital copies are emailed to travel enthusiasts. The digital version is also shared by USA TODAY partners on their social platforms and newsletters including Carnival Cruise Lines, American Hiking Society and Frommer's.
Advertising in the USA TODAY Travel Special Edition provides national exposure and inspires readers to plan summer getaways in Minnesota, ultimately increasing traffic to Explore Minnesota's website during the high travel season.
If you have any questions about the USA TODAY partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the full listing of FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
The Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce is hiring a Director. This position provides leadership, managing its operations and ensuring outstanding member, visitor, and community experiences for the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
The Director should be a positive relationship-builder with strong organizational, marketing and event planning skills. Must demonstrate enthusiasm for promoting the area, connecting with people, inspiring, and managing volunteers, and growing the Chamber through memberships and sponsorships. The Director will get involved in other community and government organizations as a key partner, representing the business community.
Do you have questions about how the festival and event industry is evolving? Let's explore the answers together through the UofM Tourism Center's festival and event management online course.
Each week of the course focuses on an important part of festival and event management and is taught by a professional with expertise and experience in the topic they are teaching. Throughout the course, you will also get to develop a business plan tailored to your event, laying out the roadmap for your event to be agile and resilient.
Register by Sept. 13, and you will get $150 off, equivalent of 25% off, the regular registration fee. The Festival and Event Management online course will start on Monday, Sept. 23.
In the June Longwoods International national survey wave, 94% of leisure travelers reported having travel plans in the next six months, which is the highest percentage so far in 2024. Additionally, the percent of travelers saying that personal finances would greatly impact upcoming plans dropped to 23%, which is the lowest percentage of the year to date.
Survey questions dove into leisure trip activities. The top five responses were visit friends and family (56%), go to a beach/waterfront (51%), take a road trip (49%), go shopping (44%) and explore a city (42%). Additionally, travelers were asked if they are planning a trip in the next six months for a specific event; between 17 and 28% are planning a trip for the purpose of attending a music, sporting or other special event.
This survey round also included questions about electric vehicle (EV) usage. In the last six months 13% used an EV on an overnight trip and 11% on a day trip. When asked about their next trip 10% are very likely to use an EV, 16% are somewhat likely and 18% are neither likely nor unlikely. June 2024 responses to EV related survey questions are reported with responses to similar April 2023 questions and reveal mixed trends.
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 86.
This year's extended Independence Day forecast exceeds pre-pandemic numbers and sets a new record with nearly 71 million people expected to travel over July 4th week.
AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period*. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year's projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.
June 24, 2024 |
 |
| Family Boating on Gull Lake / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
Join Explore Minnesota for a virtual Director's Forum this week on Tuesday, June 25 at 2 p.m.
These quarterly virtual sessions were designed to create more ongoing communication and engagement opportunities with our industry stakeholders and will feature discussions with Explore Minnesota staff on various topics.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Add to your calendar or Click here to join the meeting.
As part of the Tourism Recovery Grant program, which is now in its second and last year of funding for the biennium, Explore Minnesota funds and administers the grants for the purpose of providing funds to non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) for the purpose of marketing and promoting tourism in their communities.
Join us for an informational webinar on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. CST to find out more and learn how to apply for the upcoming FY25 grant.
Eligible organizations may submit an application to request grant funding beginning July 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST.
Refer to the Grant Programs page on the Explore Minnesota Industry Website for updates and more details.
Add to Calendar or Click here to join the meeting.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for any of the following dates: Feb.18-20 or Feb. 11-13 or Feb. 10-12, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID G0210-2000015899 Round 1 Version 1.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m.
Please visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal at mn.gov/supplier to view this event. If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
The month of June celebrates People with Disabilities and is also LGBTQ Pride Month. Please share your local celebrations with us to be considered for inclusion in Explore Minnesota communications by June 30.
Log in to the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings and note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
With Explore Minnesota's fiscal year 2024 coming to a close on June 30 and a new fiscal year starting in July, we will be rolling out a new set of co-ops. Stay tuned and sign-up for the monthly co-op update at www.exploreminnesota.com/coop.
New programs will be added to that page as they become available. As a reminder, co-ops are sold direct by the media vendor to you on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in availability.
For questions and more information, contact Derek Ramthun, derek.ramthun@state.mn.us or 612-231-3889.
May was the second good month in a row for Minnesota accommodations with year over year (YoY) hotel performance metric increases.
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy increased .8% YoY to 57.3%, average daily rate (ADR) increased 5.7% YoY to $131.90 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 6.6% YoY to $75.57. For reference in May the total U.S. average occupancy was 65.7%, ADR was $160.40 and RevPAR was $105.46.
For the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, monthly hotel occupancy was up 4.1% YoY to 61.5%, ADR was up 5.7% YoY to $135.71 and RevPAR was up 10% YoY to $83.51. In May the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 72.6%, ADR was $202.62 and RevPAR was $157.18.
In May, Minnesota entire place short-term rental occupancy was 54% (-.3% YoY), ADR was $239 (-.2% YoY), RevPAR was $130 (-.5% YoY), booked listings was 10,342 (+16% YoY) and available listings was 10,693 (+15.8% YoY).
Destinations International (DI), the world's leading resource for destination organizations, convention, and visitors' bureaus (CVBs), and tourism boards, 2024 Annual Convention will be held July 16-18, 2024, in Tampa, FL.
The conference will offer unparalleled opportunity to meet peers and gain the latest knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of destination marketing and management.
For more information on Destinations International or the 2024 Annual Convention, click here or check destinationsinternational.org for the most up-to-date information on all of Destinations International's events.
June 17, 2024 |
 |
| Detroit Lakes Trolls / Photo Credit: Visit Detroit Lakes |
Join Explore Minnesota for a virtual Director's open forum on June 25 at 2 p.m.
These quarterly virtual sessions will create more ongoing communication and engagement opportunities with our industry stakeholders and will feature discussions with Explore Minnesota staff on various topics.
Questions? Please contact Marya Barsanti, Executive Aide, Explore Minnesota, marya.e.barsanti@state.mn.us.
Add to your calendar or Click here to join the meeting.
Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)have teamed up to launch a new podcast: Explore Minnesota More. Here, we tell the stories of the benefits of Minnesota outdoors through the stories of the people, places, and businesses that make up Minnesota's thriving outdoor recreation ecosystem.
In the inaugural episode of Explore Minnesota More, hosts Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, and Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of the Minnesota DNR, delve into the remarkable transformation of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Once an abandoned mining region, Cuyuna has now become a premier outdoor recreation destination, thanks to the vision and hard work of the local community.
Tune in every other Thursday to Explore Minnesota More podcast, and f you have any ideas for subjects we should cover, please email podcast ideas to Randolph Briley, Deputy Director of Outdoor Recreation, randolph.briley@state.mn.us.
The 2025 Tourism Recovery Grant program - now in its second and final year of the biennium funding - is funded and administered by Explore Minnesota for the purpose of providing funds to individual and collaborative non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and other organizations for the purpose of tourism marketing and promotion for the economic benefit of their communities.
Save the date for an informational overview webinar on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. CST.
Eligible organizations may submit an application to request grant funding beginning July 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST.
Refer to the Grant Programs page on the Explore Minnesota Industry Website for updates and more details.
Add to Calendar or Click here to join the meeting.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for any of the following dates: Feb.18-20 or Feb. 11-13 or Feb. 10-12, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID G0210-2000015899 Round 1 Version 1.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m.
Please visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal at mn.gov/supplier to view this event. If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1.
The deadline for submitting questions is June 21. Questions must be submitted in writing to Elizabeth Huebner at Elizabeth.Huebner@state.mn.us. All questions received by the cutoff date and time will be responded to via an addendum.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
Minnesota's Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota, is seeking potential speakers for the Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. To be considered as a speaker, you must begin the process by submitting our speaker form. We are only accepting applications for In-Person Keynotes and Breakout Presentations at this time.
Submit now through this online speaker form.
Explore Minnesota has teamed up with Mpls.St.Paul Magazine to offer you a co-op opportunity to reach this metro-based, affluent market in an Explore Minnesota insider's guide section within the upcoming Sept. issue.
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine provides timely and dependable information to its readers about the people, places, and events that form Minneapolis and St. Paul. The fundamental reason the magazine exists is to enhance people's lives by telling them the best places to go, what to see, what's new, and who's who. Published monthly by MSP Communications in St. Paul, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's more than 243,000 readers are smart, affluent, and responsive. The magazine is distributed by subscription and sold on newsstands throughout Minnesota.
Space is limited and sold on a first-come first-served basis, with ad space closing June 30.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by August 15, 2024. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
Space is selling faster than ever before. Consider these current advertising opportunities with Explore Minnesota, including:
Explore Minnesota's Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales.
Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
U.S. Travel's ESTO will be held Aug. 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio. ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) is the leading annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals featuring four days of dynamic, hands-on learning and content, curated by your industry peers. Designed to provide you with the tools and insights to challenge you creatively, ESTO has something for destination marketing professionals of all levels.
June 10, 2024 |
 |
| Picnic tables near Lake Harriet, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for any of the following dates: Feb.18-20 or Feb. 11-13 or Feb. 10-12, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID: 2000015899.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m.
Please visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal at mn.gov/supplier to view this event.If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1.
The deadline for submitting questions is June 21. Questions must be submitted in writing to Elizabeth Huebner at Elizabeth.Huebner@state.mn.us. All questions received by the cutoff date and time will be responded to via an addendum.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
Minnesota's Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota, is seeking potential speakers for the Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. To be considered as a speaker, you must begin the process by submitting our speaker form. We are only accepting applications for In-Person Keynotes and Breakout Presentations at this time.
Submit now through this online speaker form.
Chicago Magazine is Chicago's largest and most storied magazine, with a 53-year history of award-winning, life-improving journalism and the ultimate authority on entertainment, shopping, dining, real estate, and more in Chicagoland.
Explore Minnesota and Chicago Magazine are creating a nine-page special section in the Sept. 2024 issues, promoting Minnesota tourism.
Be part of this co-op with a full-page or half-page ad that will be featured within Minnesota travel content. The purchase of advertising space has no relationship to editorial coverage in this publication.
Learn more and reserve by June 21.
Our Wisconsin Magazine has provided Explore Minnesota with a 3-time advertising frequency package opportunity running 2023-24 including the recent full-page ad insertion in the June/July 2024 issue. Advertising within Our Wisconsin Magazine provides excellent reach and engagement with travel enthusiasts within Wisconsin and beyond in efforts to inspire this key audience market to plan and take a trip to Minnesota thereby also increasing website traffic to ExploreMinnesota.com, social accounts and travel guide orders.
The magazine, which launched just a few years ago, has quickly become a popular magazine devoted to Wisconsin, packed with upbeat stories about the state. The print publication has 100,574 paid subscribers primarily residing in Wisconsin with 10% of readership represented in all 50 states.
If you have any questions about the Our Wisconsin partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us, 651-757-1869.
View the FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Join Field Trip Adventures on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the twelfth annual MN Field Trip Expo at the CHS Field in St. Paul.
If you plan field trips, activities, fundraising and entertainment throughout the year this show will be valuable for you. The activity ideas they present will apply to all age groups, from youth & students to active adults & seniors.
The Great Lakes Outdoor Summit welcomes outdoor recreation advocates, enthusiasts, businesses, and adventurers from throughout the Midwest to interact and learn from each other in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment on Oct. 24-26 in Duluth.
Curated by the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA), this year's Summit will include 12 informational sessions ranging from environmental stewardship, inclusivity, non-profit capacity building, and more! Outdoor activities and field trips will accompany the Summit, allowing attendees to experience all that Duluth has to offer.
Are you passionate about sustainability? The Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) is seeking board and working group members for our Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and Northeast regions.
RSDP board and working group members work with local communities to identify and support programs and projects that foster sustainable systems in our four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, resilient communities, natural resources and clean energy.
Board member applications are received on a rolling basis, but are preferred by July 23, 2024, for consideration for a Sept.1 Board of Directors appointment.
Interested applicants can find out more information and apply online.
June 3, 2024 |
 |
| Mississippi River Headwaters, Itasca State Park, Park Rapids |
Last week, Explore Minnesota capitalized on Anthony Edwards' viral "Bring Ya A**" moment with Charles Barkley. Explore Minnesota's marketing team quickly brainstormed ways to incorporate the slogan into our marketing materials and website after game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals. Catching fire, this campaign story has been picked up by major media outlets including NY Times, People Magazine, ESPN, Complex and others.
Keeping the momentum of this of the viral "Bring Ya A**" social media sensation going, we encourage Minnesota communities and businesses to participate in this fun and viral activation this summer. Here's how you can get involved:
Learn more about the Bring Ya A** sensation.
The Chicago Tribune has provided Explore Minnesota with a bundled advertising opportunity including a full-page ad and full-page advertorial in the 3rd Annual Chicago Road Trip advertising special section published on June 2.
The special section offers suggestions for day trips, weekend getaways, or vacations within driving distance from Chicago highlighting a six-state region. The print publication has a circulation of 341,305, the 4th largest Sunday circulation the country, and will also be available online. A digital ad campaign is also running June 1 – 30 featuring Explore Minnesota's Star of the North and travel guide ads with 150,000 impressions served.
The bundled ad campaign will extend Explore Minnesota's presence within the Chicago market and beyond creating excellent exposure and frequency in efforts to inspire readers and travel enthusiasts to plan a summer road trip to Minnesota resulting in increased awareness, travel guide requests and website traffic.
If you have any questions about the Chicago Tribune partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us, 651-757-1869.
View the FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Explore Minnesota's 2024 e-Newsletters have openings for high-impact banner advertising. This program is open to private business as well as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs).
| E-newsletter | Recipient List | Deploys | Cost |
| Explorer | 212,000+ | Monthly | $850/month |
| Outdoors | 86,000+ | Monthly | $800/month |
| Events | 46,000+ | Weekly | $400/month |
The monthly Explorer e-Newsletter now has 4 opportunities per month and features seasonally focused articles to inspire travel. Each edition also highlights six upcoming events.
The monthly Outdoors e-Newsletter has 2 opportunities per month and shines a spotlight on year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to consolidating content from the previous Birding, Fishing, Winter Trails and Fall Color e-newsletters, it also includes biking, golf, hiking, paddling and other outdoor experiences.
The weekly Events e-Newsletter has 2 opportunities per month and features a roundup of what's happening statewide, including festivals, live music, arts and theater, sports, food and drink, seasonal and other events. NOTE: Partners advertising in this e-newsletter have the same ad each week of the month.
Partners are limited to four opportunities per type of e-Newsletter per calendar year. All opportunities are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176, to book your e-news ad.
Looking for a way to distribute your visitor guide to qualified and interested travelers? Explore Minnesota's online lead generation program is available to non-profit destination marketing organizations and tourism promotion agencies who mail brochures with a single fulfillment piece via US Postal Service that matches the name/title of the listing on ExploreMinnesota.com.
Upon requesting your brochure, site visitors will receive an automated email from Explore Minnesota with your custom message. Use this opportunity to provide a short message about your destination, set expectations about when they will receive your brochure and/or link directly to your digital brochure.
DMO's will receive a daily report including a list of site visitors who have requested to receive your brochure by mail. Due to data privacy, leads cannot be shared with other organizations, businesses, or partners.
Sign up at an annual, budget-friendly price point:
To sign up, contact Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and newsworthy in their destination to Explore Minnesota staff.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual destination update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
Destination Updates are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 15 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
August through Dec. 2024 dates and times remain available, use this form to sign-up your destination. For questions, please contact Michael Hernandez at michael.hernandez@state.mn.us.
Make plans to attend the 27th Annual Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureau Fall Conference, taking place on Sept. 9-11 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Attendees for this unique conference come from Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Departments from an eight-state region that includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
You'll learn new skills and industry trends through dynamic educational sessions and enjoy abundant networking opportunities with your colleagues throughout the Upper Midwest.
According to the May Longwoods International national survey wave, 93% of leisure travelers have travel plans in the next six months. However, personal financial situation concerns are impacting travel decisions for 29%.
Survey questions also included how personal finances may impact upcoming travel. The most common response (33%) stated that that they will reduce the amount spent on retail purchases. Another 32% said that they are choosing destinations closer to home. Additionally, 29% said that they are reducing the amount spent on entertainment and recreation and 27% are cutting food and beverage spend. Furthermore, 26% are reducing the number of overall trips they are taking and 22% are driving instead of flying.
This survey round also included questions about international leisure travel. In the next 12 months 39% are likely to take an international trip. Among international travelers, 46% said that international travel will have no impact on domestic travel plans. International trips will impact domestic travel for 54%: 25% spending less on domestic travel, 22% shortening domestic trips and 18% replacing one or more domestic trips with an international trip.
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 85.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is proud to once again be hosting one of our region's largest gatherings of rural innovators and entrepreneurs.
SMIF's tenth annual Entrepreneurial Bridge event will take place on Sept. 24 in Albert Lea. This event is an integral part of building a vibrant ecosystem for our region's entrepreneurs.
Learn more about the event and register.
May 28, 2024 |
 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center, Minneapolis / Photo Credit: Courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves |
By now you may have seen the viral "Bring Ya A**" social sensation inspired by Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards' request to Charles Barkley to come to Minnesota for the NBA Western Conference Finals in Minneapolis.
We encourage you to participate in this fun and viral activation this summer. Here's how you can get involved:
Minnesota is on the minds of folks across the nation, let's welcome them and encourage them to visit.
Learn more about the Bring Ya A** sensation.
Explore Minnesota's new Livability campaign launched in March with the goal of answering the question: "What can I be a part of in Minnesota?" and, ultimately, drive an increase in the state's available workforce/talent pool. Since then, the team has been hard at work to expand this effort.
The Explore Minnesota Livability team recently introduced the campaign's fourth documentary-style video which follows Ursula, a teacher at Carver Elementary School in Maplewood, who moved from Miami and has made Minnesota her home. Watch her story, along with the other Star of the North campaign videos.
The Explore Minnesota for Business Council and Tourism Council Livability Committee will launch over the next month. Thank you, in advance, to our industry partners for their partnership in informing the Livability team's efforts to market our state for overall livability and economic opportunity.
Our new Living Minnesota newsletter already has 1,750+ subscribers. The newsletter highlights what makes Minnesota a great place to live and work, as well as serves as a resource for individuals looking to make the move. Consider subscribing, sharing and sending us your feedback.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for Feb.18-20, 2025, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID 2000015790.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
The MN Aurora FC, Minnesota's first community-owned pre-professional women's soccer team, has caught the country by storm as a women led, community owned organization. Aurora 2 has recently been announced as Minnesota Aurora FC's second team playing in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Women. The team is committed to uplifting all communities through the game of soccer and will host the RKC Third Coast at their home opener on May 30 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, the practice facility for the Minnesota Vikings.
Explore Minnesota is the exclusive sponsor of the MN Aurora FC home and away jerseys. The Club provides us in-field signage and 30-second videoboard ads at TCO Stadium, a sweepstakes to win jerseys and season tickets, travel guide distribution, 30 second TV broadcast spots on Fox 9+, Scorebug sponsorship, presenting sponsor of player introductions, new jersey presentations and logo inclusion on player backpacks.
To kick off this year's sponsorship, Minnesota will be celebrated and highlighted at the June 6 MN Aurora FC - Rochester FC match up game with a Minnesota themed night including an interview with Explore Minnesota broadcasted on Fox 9+, Eagan TV and KFAN.
If you have any questions about the MN Aurora FC partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us, 651-757-1869.
Summer is right around the corner and Explore Minnesota is looking for public events celebrated in June and July.
To have your events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for the following events by May 31:
Please note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
The Associate Digital Strategist plays a key role within the Digital Strategy Team, serving as the team lead for Explore Minnesota's agency-wide suite of email marketing products, as well as a key contributor for social media, with a special focus on paid social.
This position serves as a subject matter expert to the Digital Strategy Manager and other members of the EMN staff and team. The incumbent oversees day-to-day operations of EMN email marketing products under the general supervision of marketing, including recurring newsletters and targeted campaigns, to drive ROI and web traffic using an industry-standard email marketing platform.
The Associate Digital Strategist works closely with the Senior Digital Strategist – Social to plan and execute paid and organic social strategy. This position is also responsible for production graphic design within an already-established brand and campaign framework and helps to manage the EMN branded photo and video libraries.
Deadline to apply for the Communication Specialist 2 - Associate Digital Strategist, Job ID 76626 is June 3.
Explore Minnesota, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota regularly partner to learn about Minnesota tourism and Leisure & Hospitality (L&H) industry trends. Explore Minnesota's key findings from the most recent survey focus on industry health and growth opportunities.
For additional survey results, review the full report.
April was a good month for Minnesota accommodations with year over year (YoY) hotel performance metric increases.
At the state-level monthly hotel occupancy increased 4.4% YoY to 55.2%, average daily rate (ADR) increased 4.3% YoY to $126.16 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 9% YoY to $69.61. For reference, in April the total U.S. average occupancy was 65.2%, ADR was $157.31 and RevPAR was $102.51.
For the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, monthly hotel occupancy was up 4.3% YoY to 59.3%, ADR was up 4.3% YoY to $131.40 and RevPAR was up YoY 8.7% to $77.86. In April the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 72%, ADR was $187.28 and RevPAR was $134.80.
In April Minnesota "entire place" short-term rental occupancy was 44% (-3.5% YoY), ADR was $214 (+2.7% YoY), RevPAR was $94 (-.9% YoY), booked listings totals were 7,179 (+11.7% YoY) and available listings totals were 8,031 (+14.3% YoY).
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener can help elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by August 15, 2024. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
May 20, 2024 |
 |
| Family camping at Cass Lake, Chippewa National Forest / Photo Credit: Paul Vincent |
It's National Travel and Tourism Week, May 19-25. Since 1983, U.S. Travel's National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration that underscores travel's essential role in driving our nation's economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections.
To celebrate the special week, Explore Minnesota is launching a new Instagram series, AMA (Ask Minnesota Anything) to engage our followers and provide advice on places to go, things to do, and tips for living and traveling in Minnesota. It's your chance to connect with us, plan your adventures, and explore the state like never before.
Follow us on Instagram to check out the AMA series for our best tips, favorite spots, and much more.
Explore Minnesota is conducting the Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota to gain insight into real time business conditions. A summary of the survey findings will be published here in Industry News later this month.
Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to participate in this survey by end of day Tuesday, May 21.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for Feb.18-20, 2025, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID 2000015790.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m.
If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1. The deadline for submitting questions is May 15 at 3 p.m. Questions must be submitted in writing to Elizabeth Huebner at Elizabeth.Huebner@state.mn.us. All questions received by the cutoff date and time will be responded to via an addendum.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
Summer is right around the corner and Explore Minnesota is looking for public events celebrated in June and July.
To have your events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for the following events by May 31:
Please note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota is seeking proposals to host the 2025 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a host community/tourism organization. The event dates are Oct. 10-11, 2025.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener can help elevate visitor awareness of the host community and create a lasting local impact. Please consider your community's marketing, media relations and civic goals, and how hosting this significant event can help achieve your objectives.
All proposals must be received by August 15, 2024. For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
View the 2025 GPHO Proposal and Application.
Our popular niche campaigns continue to roll out through various partners and magazines. View the roundup of article highlighting the best fishing, golfing, paddling, and more in Minnesota.
Diversity:
Fishing:
Golfing:
Paddling:
Watch for even more articles about our spring and summer niches coming soon.
Learn more about Explore Minnesota's Spring/Summer campaigns.
Explore Minnesota has secured the following media coverage for the month of April.
Highlights include Cassandra Brooklyn's inclusion of Voyagers National Park in Business Insider's "7 of the Most Unique National Parks in the US" and Jacqueline Kehoe's inclusion of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota as one of the most spectacular Midwest bird-watching spots.
Secured media coverage for the month of April garnered 345,559,241 impressions.
Key hits:
Gray Destination Marketing's Connected TV/OTT program connects your :15 or :30 second video ad with users cross-device via smart TV platforms, gaming consoles or dedicated streaming devices like Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and more.
Through the Explore Minnesota advertising co-op with Gray Destination Marketing, their dashboards allow you to isolate campaign data to pinpoint how your target customers engage with your messaging in real time. Gray Destination Marketing is offering video production as added value for Tier 2 and Tier 3 participants.
Learn more about Gray Destination Marketing co-op advertising opportunity.
Destination marketing organizations are invited to schedule a presentation about what's new and newsworthy in their destination to Explore Minnesota staff.
Travel counselors, marketing, communications, and additional Explore Minnesota staff will attend the virtual Destination Update and keep your information top of mind for upcoming opportunities. Things to share include new destination developments, events, business and attraction updates and other newsworthy information.
Destination Update are held virtually the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 and 2 p.m. with 15 minutes for your PowerPoint or other visual presentation and 10 minutes for an open dialogue and question and answer session.
August through Dec. 2024 dates and times remain available, use this form to sign-up your destination.
According to AAA, about 38.4 million people will make road trips in the U.S. over Memorial Day weekend, this is the most the American Automobile Association has tracked in two decades of posting these numbers. And about 43.8 million Americans will embark on trips of all forms, this rebound marks a full recovery from the pandemic.
May 13, 2024 |
 |
| Lt. Gov. Flanagan hooks a walleye during the Minnesota Fishing Opener in Lake City / Photo Credit: Minnesota Governor's Office |
Explore Minnesota is conducting the Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota to gain insight into real time business conditions. Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to participate in this survey by end of day Tuesday, May 21.
Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged take the Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey. This survey is conducted in partnership with the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota in order to provide real time insights. Later this month a survey findings summary will be shared in Industry News.
The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is being considered for Feb.18-20, 2025, in the seven-county Metro area.
Any interested properties, venues or community may access the complete RFP requirements and bidding process through the SWIFT system. Log in to the Supplier Portal to view this event, search for Event ID 2000015790.
The RFP submittal deadline date is Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m.
If you do not have a Vendor ID setup with the State of Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Supplier Portal website or contact Supplier Resources 651-201-8106, option #1.
The deadline for submitting questions is May 15 at 3 p.m. Questions must be submitted in writing to Elizabeth Huebner at Elizabeth.Huebner@state.mn.us. All questions received by the cutoff date and time will be responded to via an addendum.
Review this Bid Opportunity Event.
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
Minnesota's Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota, is seeking potential speakers for the Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. To be considered as a speaker, you must begin the process by submitting our speaker form. We are only accepting applications for In-Person Keynotes and Breakout Presentations at this time.
Submit now through this online speaker form.
The Association Digital Strategist plays a key role within the Digital Strategy Team, serving as the team lead for Explore Minnesota's agency-wide suite of email marketing products, as well as a key contributor for social media, with a special focus on paid social.
The Associate Digital Strategist serves as a subject matter expert to the Digital Strategy Manager and other members of the EMN staff and team. The incumbent oversees day-to-day operations of the EMN email marketing products under the general supervision of marketing, including recurring newsletters and targeted campaigns, to drive ROI and web traffic using an industry-standard email marketing platform.
The Associate Digital Strategist works closely with the Senior Digital Strategist – Social to plan and execute paid and organic social strategy. This position is also responsible for production graphic design within an already-established brand and campaign framework and helps to manage the EMN branded photo and video libraries.
Deadline to apply for the Communication Specialist 2 - Associate Digital Strategist, Job ID 76626 is June 3.
Summer is right around the corner and Explore Minnesota is looking for public events celebrated in June and July.
To have your events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for the following events by May 31:
Please note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Explore Minnesota regularly reviews and analyzes travel indicators to better understand tourism industry trends and health. A new report focused on state-level travel winter season trends from Nov.1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 is now available.
Winter 2023/24 Minnesota travel indicators are mixed. This is reflective of unusual winter weather and leisure travel reaching a steadier state following a post-pandemic rebound.
View the full report.
Join Jill Sims, Director of Government Relations for Hospitality Minnesota and David Fenley, ADA Director for the Minnesota Council on Disability on May 14 as they highlight ADA compliance in hospitality topics such as building requirements, service animals, websites, and more.
This webinar is free to Hospitality Minnesota members, there is a $20 fee for non-members to join the webinar, all attendees must register to receive the link for this webinar.
Join Field Trip Adventures on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the twelfth annual MN Field Trip Expo at the CHS Field in St. Paul.
If you plan field trips, activities, fundraising and entertainment throughout the year this show will be valuable for you. The activity ideas they present will apply to all age groups, from youth & students to active adults & seniors.
U.S. Travel's ESTO will be held Aug. 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio. ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) is the leading annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals featuring four days of dynamic, hands-on learning and content, curated by your industry peers. Designed to provide you with the tools and insights to challenge you creatively, ESTO has something for destination marketing professionals of all levels.
May 6, 2024 |
 |
| Aerial of Lighthouse, Lake City / Photo Credit: Visit Lake City |
Our first-ever popup shop last fall was a success, so we're now offering you the chance to shop for Minnesota gear any time of the year! The Star of the North Shop will be closely aligned with our newly launched campaign, which welcomes all to experience what they can be a part of in Minnesota, and what makes Minnesota the Star of the North.
We're starting with a limited product line that incorporates the North Star featured in the new State of Minnesota flag. The flag will be raised for the first time on Minnesota Statehood Day, May 11.
Be sure to check back in on the shop from time to time and follow our social media channels for new product releases. Profits will be used to support Explore Minnesota's mission.
Explore Minnesota is conducting the Minnesota Tourism Business Conditions Survey in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Hospitality Minnesota to gain insight into real time business conditions. Lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to participate in this survey by end of day Tuesday May 21.
Survey findings help to shape how Explore Minnesota promotes the state, engages with the media and provides the industry information and programming. The Federal Reserve is interested in understanding real time business conditions and Hospitality Minnesota is interested in understanding economic conditions to advocate for policies. Quarterly business conditions surveys consist of mostly repeat questions, helping us track change over time. Please consider participating, as consistent survey participation is critical for telling the evolving story of the industry recovery.
Later this month we will share a survey findings summary in Industry News.
Are you interested in speaking to Minnesota tourism professionals or do you know someone who would make a great speaker?
Minnesota's Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota, is seeking potential speakers for the Annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. To be considered as a speaker, you must begin the process by submitting our speaker form. We are only accepting In-Person Keynotes and Breakout Presentations at this time.
Submit now through this online speaker form.
Summer is right around the corner and Explore Minnesota is already looking for your Fourth of July celebrations. To have your Fourth of July events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for your events by May 31.
Please note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Space is selling faster than ever before. Consider these current advertising opportunities with Explore Minnesota, including:
Explore Minnesota's Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales.
Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
Learn to camp, paddle, fish, and mountain bike in Minnesota's great outdoors through the summer 2024 I Can! programs in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. I Can! is an award-winning series of outdoor programs from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that helps beginners learn new outdoor skills in a state park or recreation area setting. In addition to programs focused on the basics of outdoor recreation, there are some programs, like backpacking or sea kayaking, for people who are ready to try a more advanced version of an activity they enjoy.
Each year, the Minnesota State Arts Board enlists the aid of hundreds of Minnesotans from all corners of the state as volunteer grant program advisors. These individuals play a crucial role in the grant making process.
Volunteer advisors evaluate artistic activities and review grant applications to help determine which will be recommended to receive funding. This involvement, and the insights advisors bring, are the vital foundation for the Arts Board's grant decisions each year.
If you have knowledge or a passion for the arts, experience with Minnesota nonprofits in paid or volunteer positions, or a professional working in the arts, grant advisors are needed to experience arts activities and review applications remotely, ongoing throughout the year.
Find out if this is the right fit for you, visit the grant program advisor opportunities or apply now to serve as an advisor.
The Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2024 MRPC Annual Meeting will be held in Winona, Minnesota on Sept. 18-20.
The MRPC is excited to share their welcome reception on Wednesday, Sept. 18, will take place at one of the Great River Road Interpretive Centers, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. The evening will include hors d'oeuvres and a tour of the museum and pollinator garden, as well as viewing of the Mississippi River and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Additional programming and speakers will be announced in the coming months. Make your lodging reservations now at the Riverport Inn & Suites online riverportinn.com with code "MRPC24" or by call 507-452-0606. Find multiple transportation options to Winona here.
April 29, 2024 |
 |
| Canelakes Candies, Virginia Mesabi Trail / Photo Credit: Mesabi Trail |
Explore Minnesota is planning for our FY25 Co-op advertising program and we're looking for feedback on how the FY24 co-op opportunities worked for you. Share your feedback and suggestions with us through this brief co-op survey.
This is an important part of the co-op planning process; we want to provide programs that make sense for your marketing goals and budget. Was there a particular program you found successful? Is there a category of programs or certain vendors we should consider working with? Let us know by tomorrow, April 30.
In case you missed it, the webinar Leveraging Social & Paid Programs for Meetings, Groups, and Sports presented by Brain Matson, Senior Director of Strategy and Education at TwoSix Digital is now available to watch online.
In this webinar, discover strategies to grow your groups, meetings, and sports business within your destination by leveraging LinkedIn and other social networks and digital advertising tools. Brian discusses strategies to help build relevant audiences and the tactics you'll need to grow base, nurture leads, and book more group business. You'll walk away from this session with some fresh ideas to get more groups coming into your destination.
Summer is right around the corner and Explore Minnesota is already looking for your Fourth of July celebrations. To have your Fourth of July events considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for your events by May 31.
Please note that submitting a photo with your event listing will increase the likelihood that your event will be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post. For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
As a part of our Star of the North spring campaign focused on a fishing niche audience, Explore Minnesota recently partnered with Men's Journal to write a Best Fishing Trips to Minnesota article.
The article highlights a few of Minnesota's 10,000 Lakes including:
This niche campaign targets specific interests or certain online behaviors of consumers nationwide—in this case, fishing enthusiasts. Other assets in our Star of the North spring Fishing niche campaign feature video footage of travelers' boat charter in Lake of the Woods and showcases both lake and river fishing. Targeted individuals will be served content via digital video, display banners, radio spots, content partnerships, and paid social.
We will be sharing out more of these content partnerships for both our general Star of the North Spring/Summer campaign as well as our niche campaigns (Fishing, Paddling and Golf) in upcoming Industry News editions.
Learn more about the Star of the North and Explore Minnesota's spring niche campaigns.
According to STR lodging performance metrics, March 2024 was not a strong month across the state of Minnesota. However, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area hotel metrics improved year over year (YoY) in March 2024.
At the state-level February 2024 hotel occupancy decreased 4% YoY to 49.3%, average daily rate (ADR) increased 3% YoY to $124.40 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) decreased 1.1% YoY to $61.28. For reference in March 2024 the total U.S. average occupancy was 63.7%, ADR was $159.79 and RevPAR was $101.81.
For the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, February 2024 hotel occupancy was up 2.2% YoY to 54.7%, ADR was up 4.5% YoY to $130.77 and RevPAR was up YoY 6.8% to $71.54. In March 2024 the average Top U.S. 25 U.S. Market hotel occupancy was 71.8%, ADR was $189.61 and RevPAR was $136.08.
In March 2024, Minnesota "entire place" short-term rental occupancy was 44%, ADR was $97 and RevPAR was $222.
In a national April survey Longwoods International found that 92% of leisure travelers have travel plans in the next six months. This continues a 2023 trend of a strong appetitive for travel.
A majority of travelers (52% of those surveyed) will travel with their spouse/significant other, 45% with their immediate family/children, and 28% with close friends this summer. Thirty percent plan to spend more on travel this summer than last year, while 56 percent intend to spend the same, and 14 percent intend to spend less.
Most travelers' next trip will be to see friends and relatives in the U.S. They will travel by car within 200 miles (21%), by car more than 200 miles (16%) and by plane (21%). Others' next trip will be within the U.S. for a vacation. This group will also travel by car within 200 miles (14%), by car more than 200 miles (14%) and by airplane (13%).
This survey round also included questions about work/life balance and blending leisure and business travel. Thirty-six percent strongly agreed that they are less likely to work during leisure travel. Similarly, 27% strongly agreed that they are more focused on having a work/life balance.
For more research findings and trends review Traveler Sentiment Study Wave 84.
The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting nominations for the 39th Annual Governor's International Trade Awards until Friday, July 19.
These prestigious awards honor Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional growth and success in foreign markets. In addition to honoring the individual recipients, the awards serve as a tribute to the importance and tremendous positive impact that exports and trade have on the state's overall economy.
Learn more about past winners and additional information with nomination instructions on the Governor's International Trade Awards website.
U.S. Travel's National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) will be celebrated this year on May 19-25, 2024.
In 2022, travel spending generated $2.6 trillion in economic output and supported nearly 15 million American jobs. Join U.S. Travel Association for the 41st annual #nttw, a critical opportunity to underscore the importance of the industry to the American economy and beyond.
April 22, 2024 |
 |
| Munsinger Gardens, St. Cloud |
Explore Minnesota is planning for the FY25 Co-op advertising program and we're looking for feedback on how the FY24 co-ops worked for you. Share your feedback and suggestions with us through this brief co-op survey.
This is an important part of the co-op planning process; we want to provide programs that make sense for your marketing goals and budget. Was there a particular program you found successful? Is there a category of programs or certain vendors we should consider working with? Let us know by April 30.
Join Explore Minnesota and Brian Matson from TwoSix Digital this week on Thursday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. for a webinar: Leveraging Social & Paid Programs for Meetings, Groups, and Sports.
In this webinar, discover strategies to grow your groups, meetings, and sports business within your destination by leveraging LinkedIn and other social networks and digital advertising tools. We'll discuss strategies to help you build relevant audiences and the tactics you'll need to grow your base, nurture leads, and book more group business. You'll walk away from this session with some fresh ideas to get more groups coming into your destination.
Brian Matson is the Senior Director of Strategy and Education at TwoSix Digital. He has been a part of the travel and tourism industry since 2003 and recognized as a great asset to the development of any businesses or organization's marketing initiatives due to his vast experience working directly with destinations, meetings & convention teams, sports organizations, resorts, attractions, and small businesses.
In partnership with USA Today, Explore Minnesota ran a full-page Star of the North campaign ad on the back cover of the GO ESCAPE Midwest Spring Special Edition published in April with distribution in Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin. The April Midwest issue included a myriad of Minnesota content and advertising.
The newly launched campaign ad is featured in both digital and print with 500,000 printed copies distributed and over 10 million digital copies emailed to travel enthusiasts. With this ad insertion, Explore Minnesota will gain excellent exposure and frequency within out-of-state markets to encourage readers to plan their summer Minnesota getaway during the shoulder season., thereby increasing the traffic to the website.
View the online version of the April 2024 USA Today GO ESCAPE Midwest Spring Special Edition.
If you have any questions about the USA Today partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us or 651-757-1869.
View the full listing of FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Aer Lingus and Delta Air Lines have announced nonstop service between Dublin and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) beginning this spring.
Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus will resume year-round service between MSP and Dublin (DUB) beginning April 29. The move will end a pause of the airline's flights to Minnesota that began at the outset of COVID-19. Flights will initially be available four days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) on Airbus A330 aircraft. The airline will transition to daily flights on the MSP-DUB route on new Airbus A321XLR this fall.
Delta Air Lines also plans to offer nonstop service to Dublin in 2024. The seasonal route from MSP launches May 9 and will operate five times a week.
With the return of nonstop service to Dublin, MSP's air service to international destinations will be fully restored to pre-pandemic levels.
The Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is seeking a qualified applicants for the full-time position of Chamber President/CEO.
This position serves as the chief paid executive officer of the organization and reports to the Board of Directors. The President/CEO is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily operations of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (HACCT) in meeting the organization's mission on behalf of the city of Hutchinson and the business community.
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and supplemental application to: Hutchinson Utilities Commission, Attn: Jeremy Carter, 225 Michigan St. SE Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Questions can be directed via email to jcarter@hutchinsonmn.gov or by phone at 320-234-0505. This position will remain open until filled.
The Hackensack Chamber of Commerce is looking for a talented individual to be the next Chamber Coordinator. The Hackensack Chamber of Commerce is an active and growing community of member businesses and non-profit organizations from the Hackensack area.
The Chamber Coordinator spearheads the Chamber's effort to serve as a resource for businesses and organizations of all types and sizes. The ideal candidate strives to meet and exceed the goals and objectives of the Chamber while motivated by personal growth and expression. As a Coordinator, you will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Chamber's administrative functions by handling a wide range of responsibilities dictated and governed by the Board of Directors.
To apply, please send an application and resume to chamber@hackensackchamber.com, or mail to PO Box 373, Hackensack, MN 56452, or drop off at 100 Fleisher Ave S, Hackensack (Mon., Tues., Fri. between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Learn more and download the employment application.
April 15, 2024 |
 |
| Root River Fly Fishing, Spring Valley / Photo Credit: Ryan Taylor |
Explore Minnesota takes to the skies with a new American Airlines Wi-Fi advertising in May.This new platform will provide excellent reach with travel enthusiasts, allowing passengers to exchange engagement with ad content for free access Wi-Fi or connected services. The force play "must-watch" campaign will run in May and includes 55,000 Star of the North video impressions. Viewers are automatically linked directly to exploreminnesota.com at the completion of the video.
The deeply discounted ad space provides excellent added value extending Explore Minnesota's presence in desired key markets of Chicago, Dallas, Denver and St. Louis ahead of spring travel season.
If you have any questions about the American Airlines Wi-Fi partnership, please contact Glori Woolley, glori.woolley@state.mn.us, 651-757-1869.
View the FY24 Explore Minnesota Partnerships.
Join Explore Minnesota and Brian Matson from TwoSix Digital on Thursday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. for a webinar: Leveraging Social & Paid Programs for Meetings, Groups, and Sports.
In this webinar, discover strategies to grow your groups, meetings, and sports business within your destination by leveraging LinkedIn and other social networks and digital advertising tools. We'll discuss strategies to help you build relevant audiences and the tactics you'll need to grow your base, nurture leads, and book more group business. You'll walk away from this session with some fresh ideas to get more groups coming into your destination.
Brian Matson is the Senior Director of Strategy and Education at TwoSix Digital. He has been a part of the travel and tourism industry since 2003 and recognized as a great asset to the development of any businesses or organization's marketing initiatives due to his vast experience working directly with destinations, meetings & convention teams, sports organizations, resorts, attractions, and small businesses.
Effectv is here to help you achieve your marketing and advertising goals. They deliver TV and premium digital video advertising to reach audiences through high-quality content at any time, on any device.
Through this co-op with Explore Minnesota, Effectv brings together all the elements of a successful campaign and is working with Explore Minnesota to help the Minnesota tourism industry target their potential visitors.
Effectv delivers hyper-local audience targeted messages to the zones or Interconnects that align with your best consumer. There are 66 markets to choose from. For targeting outside of the Comcast footprint, you can zip code target audiences that are watching their favorite video content across all screens. The result is a highly customized campaign strategy to achieve each individual participant's goals whether that be building awareness, increasing consideration, or boosting sales, TV and video advertising can help you do it.
Learn more about Effectv co-op.
Consider advertising opportunities with Explore Minnesota in 2024, including:
Explore Minnesota's Travel Media Marketing Executive Sebrina Williams with Miles Partnership is actively selling and securing advertising sales—and many key placements are going quickly.
Please reach out to Sebrina directly to secure advertising with Explore Minnesota, Sebrina.Williams@MilesPartnership.com or 773-616-8176.
In case you missed it, Explore Minnesota hosted a webinar recently that focused on 2023 Minnesota visitor trends. This presentation focused on year over year (YoY) performance, seasonality, visitor origin markets and demographics, trip length, average vehicle trip distance and top points of interest.
View the slides from the webinar, or for access to the webinar recording or to request a county-level visitor trends report, reach out to your Industry Relations contact.
The Harmony Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hiring a part-time Director. The Director works together with the membership to enhance and improve the economic, civic, and cultural interests of the town of Harmony. They are responsible for events and projects that engage both community members and visitors. The Director leads advertising, promotion of our community and businesses, communicates with the membership, coordinates Visitor Center staffing, and is a collaborator with other area Chambers and civic organizations. This position has a flexible schedule based around events, seasonal tasks, and workflow.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to chamber@exploreharmony.com with the subject line: Chamber Director Position. This position will remain open until filled.
ESTO is a leading annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals, registration is now open. From August 11-13 in Columbus, OH, destination marketing leaders will come together for unparalleled educational content and networking opportunities designed to cultivate innovation.